A BOY has been charged with seven sex offences alleged to have taken place at a north Essex school, police have confirmed.

The charges come after a 16-month investigation which was launched in March of last year and resulted in the arrest of a teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The boy, who has been bailed and will appear before a youth court next month, is charged with five counts of non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged between 13 and 15, one charge of sexual assault on a female, and one charge of penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged between 13 and 15.

The school has not been named so the identities of those involved are protected.

School – the offences were reported at a school in north EssexSchool – the offences were reported at a school in north Essex (Image: Pexels)

In an official statement released by Essex Police, a spokesman said: “A boy has been charged as part of an investigation into sexual offences reported at a school in North Essex.

“The boy, under the age of 16 has been charged with five counts of non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl 13 to 15, one count of sexual assault on a female and one count of penetrative sexual activity with a girl 13 to 15.

“The charges follow a thorough investigation by Essex Police Crime and Public Protection team, which was launched in March 2023.

“The boy has since pleaded not guilty to the charges and will next appear at Youth Court on August 13.”

He added: “We continue to work closely with the school and local authorities and the victims are receiving support from specialist support services.”

An Essex County Council spokesman said the authority will continue to support the school during the investigation.

He said: “We are aware of a police investigation relating to a safeguarding matter at a school in North Essex and the subsequent charging of an individual.

Investigation – police launched a probe in March last year which led to charges being pressed against a teenage boyInvestigation – police launched a probe in March last year which led to charges being pressed against a teenage boy (Image: Newsquest)

“We have been and will continue to support the leadership at the school and will provide additional support to the school community if required.

"The school have worked with all relevant agencies, including statutory partners, in line with their safeguarding procedures. 

"They have communicated with parents/carers and will continue to offer and provide support if needed.

"As this is an ongoing investigation, neither the council, nor the school, will be able to comment further at this time.”

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