Two pupils have been disciplined after an investigation into alleged drug dealing at a north Essex comprehensive school.

One pupil has been expelled and another suspended from Manningtree High School following the allegations.

Essex Police are now considering whether to take the matters further and have praised the school for its handling of the incident.

Sgt Ian Poyser, of Mistley police, said: "It is to the school's credit that immediately a problem was identified, it was dealt with decisively and sensitively."

Sgt Poyser added that the school had reported the matter to the police and co-operated fully with officers.

Several pupils had been interviewed but no decision had been made yet on whether or not any prosecutions would be made.

"We are not talking about a major problem. It was a relatively minor incident of misuse of drugs."

An anonymous letter claiming some pupils at the school in Colchester Road, Lawford, were dealing in drugs and that headteacher Deborah Hollister had failed to take any action was recently sent to This Is Essex partner paper the Gazette.

Miss Hollister, pointing out that, as the sender failed to sign the letter, she had been unable to tell to them what she had done, said: "I am very disappointed they did not do me the courtesy of at least phoning me."

Miss Hollister added: "We have a programme of substance misuse education that runs throughout the school. In early May we are planning an evening awareness-raising event to include parents."

They need not have given their name but I am always willing to talk to anyone about any concerns they have regarding the school."

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