Child porn probe woman in custody

Plymouth - UK.- (BBC) A 39-year-old nursery worker in Plymouth arrested in connection with the distribution of indecent images of children remains in police custody. It follows a raid at the Little Ted's nursery in Laira, Plymouth, and at the woman's home in the city's Efford area. The nursery, which has about 60 children, has been closed by police while inquiries are carried out.
Police said that the arrest of a 38-year-old man from Littleborough, near Rochdale, led them to arrest the woman.

'Fast-moving investigation'

The man appeared at Trafford Magistrates' Court earlier charged with possessing and distributing indecent images. Devon and Cornwall Police said: "The charges relate to images recovered from a computer, mobile phones and other items of software." "Following the investigation, information was passed to Devon and Cornwall Police, who have arrested a 39-year-old woman."
After the woman was arrested at her home, items seized in raids included computer equipment which contained "dozens of internet images", police said.
Commanding officer Ch Supt Jim Webster said it had been a "fast-moving investigation". He said: "We received information yesterday evening about nine o'clock, took it very seriously, had it researched straightaway and by midnight last night we'd arrested a person who we believe is concerned in the distribution of child pornography images". "So our work today is to find out what's happened, where the images have come from, where they've been sent to and any risk to anybody in Plymouth."
He said the allegations raised "serious concerns" and police were contacting all parents of children at the nursery.

Letter to parents

Little Ted's opened in 1992 and operates from Laira Green Primary School and Laira United Church Hall. Children in the nursery are aged between two and five, but children up to 11 can attend the breakfast and after-school clubs.
People arriving at the nursery to drop off children on Monday morning were handed a letter by police explaining what had happened.

The letter, signed by Supt David Sumner, read: "We are informing you that police have arrested a 39-year-old woman in connection with distributing indecent images of young children and that the woman is an employee of Little Ted's Child Day Care Unit, Old Laira Road" "As part of our inquiries we have searched the home address of the woman and need to search units one and two of the unit today."
About 40 police officers are working on the case, including internet crime investigators. Children's care specialists are also involved in the operation, police said. Mother Amy Gilbert said: "It's a complete shock. I am going to change nurseries." Another mother, who did not want to be named, said: "My son's been going there since last September. I'd never imagined anything like that in anywhere like that."

Contacts

Parents affected can contact a special police helpline on 08452 777444.