POLICE have launched an investigation into the treatment of children at a primary school.

Headteacher Stuart Livingstone has already been suspended from Coppins Green School in Clacton by the chairman of governors following complaints that pupils were kept in a “cupboard”.

Police are investigating to see if any law has been broken.

Nishan Wijeratne, police spokesman, said: “Child protection officers are working with partner agencies to investigate complaints made about disciplinary measures used on pupils at a Clacton primary school.”

He said the investigation is still at a very early stage and is expected to take some weeks.

Mr Livingstone joined the school as headteacher in 2004.

Methods used at the school included using what he called "a safe room" to put children who were deemed out of control.

Mr Livingstone said the room was used rarely and gave children a safe area to calm down in.

Parents and former pupils used an internet message board on the website Facebook to criticise him, with one claiming: “He is like male version of Ms Trunchbull out of Matilda.”

Others posters on the website have defended the headteacher.

Neither Mr Livingstone, Essex County Council or the school have been available for further comment.