Suspect quizzed over nursery abuse allegation

Detectives investigating the alleged abuse of children at a nursery have made an arrest over an allegation of sexual assault, police said today.

Nottinghamshire Police said last week that it was investigating how three children who attended the Rocking Horse Nursery in Plumtree suffered broken bones.

The education watchdog Ofsted has suspended the nursery's licence for six weeks while a probe is carried out.

Notts Police said today it is investigating a further allegation of sexual assault against a child.

A spokesman for the force said: "This is a new line of inquiry and the information was given to detectives last week.

"Prior to this, neither Notts Police nor Ofsted were aware of any alleged sexual offences having taken place at the nursery.

"The individual concerned has been questioned by detectives and released on police bail pending further inquiries."

Two people were arrested in connection with the investigation into how the children suffered "unexplained" injuries. Another three were interviewed under caution, officers added.

Police said the person arrested last week was not one of these people.

Nottinghamshire County Council said earlier it is offering support to parents of children who attend the nursery.

Detectives became involved after hospital staff reported one of the children's injuries to social services, who contacted police.

The nursery, which can cater for up to 90 children, charges between £34 and £36 a day to care for a child and also runs a breakfast club and after-school club.

A spokeswoman previously said: "The directors and all the staff are co-operating fully with the investigation."