A TEACHER has been arrested by police after being accused of rape by an 11 year-old girl.
Police acted after a pupil at a Hillingdon school made the allegation against the teacher, who no longer works in the borough.
The 56 year-old resigned from the school, which cannot be named for legal reasons, following parents making a previous unrelated complaint against him.
It is understood forensic officers have searched the school in relation to the allegations, which is attended by nearly 400 children.
A Met spokesperson said: "We received an allegation of rape from an 11 year-old girl in the Hillingdon area.
"A 56-year-old man was arrested on 11 March in connection with the investigation. he has since been bailed pending further inquiries until mid-May."
It is understood the girl is claiming to have been raped on a number of occasions over a two year period.
The teacher is under investigation by the Independent Safeguarding Authority, the organisation set up after the Soham murder in 2002, to "prevent unsuitable people from working with children."
He was brought to their attention by Hillingdon Council after the first incident of alleged inappropriate behaviour was brought to the school's attention.
A spokesperson from Hillingdon Council said: "We can confirm we are aware that the police are investigating a serious allegation made against a former teacher, who taught at a number of schools, including one in Hillingdon.
"We are working closely with the police to ensure they have all the support they need from us for this investigation and we have put in place support for the children, parents and staff at the school."
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