WEST Mercia Police has confirmed that a member of staff has been arrested at a Redditch nursery.

The employee was arrested during the morning yesterday, Tuesday, February 4, after police were contacted by a parent on Monday, and has now been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Detective Superintendent Steve Cullen said: “This inquiry is at a very early stage and more details are being obtained. Whilst we keep an open mind, at this time it appears to be an isolated incident.

“Our primary concern is the safety and welfare of the children attending the nursery. We will be progressing the inquiry in accordance with national protocols.

“We are speaking further with the parent and child concerned and working closely with our partner agencies including Worcestershire County Council Children's Services as well as Ofsted.

“The nursery is issuing all parents and carers with a letter explaining, as far as is possible, the reasons for our activities and is fully supporting the investigation. Police officers are available to discuss any immediate concerns that parents/carers may have and can be reached via the non-emergency number 101.

“This inquiry is not linked to the ongoing investigation into allegations of sexual abuse at Bright Eyes Nurseries, which had branches at Bromsgrove, Redditch and Droitwich.”