A FORMER headteacher has been charged with several sexual offences.

Neal McGowan, 53, of Dickonsfield, Edinburgh, taught at William De Ferrers School in South Woodham Ferrers.

He was arrested by Essex Police in March 2016.

McGowan has been charged with two counts of abuse of position of trust, one for causing or inciting sexual activity with a boy aged 13 to 17, and one for causing a child aged 13 to 17 to watch a sexual act.

He was also charged with three counts of making indecent images of a child.

He is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on May 24.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "Mr McGowan, a teacher at William De Ferrers School in South Woodham Ferrers, was arrested by Essex Police in March 2016.

"If any members of the public have any information relating to the above, please contact Dc Jeanine Atkins-Calver on 101."

Chairman of Governors, Tony Graham added: “The safety and wellbeing of pupils is of paramount importance to us and we take our safeguarding responsibilities extremely seriously.

“Mr McGowan was suspended as soon as the allegations against him came to light and we have cooperated fully with the police investigation.

“We are aware that charges have now been made and it would therefore be inappropriate to comment further while there are ongoing legal proceedings.

“I would, however, like to reassure parents that we have strong leadership arrangements in place at the school and are committed to ensuring all of our pupils receive the best possible education.”