A former teacher has been arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing boys at St Aubyn’s, an independent prep school, in Rottingdean, the Brighton and Hove News has reported.

The arrest follows claims by four former pupils at St Aubyn’s. The school closed in 2013.

Sussex Police issued an appeal for witnesses and information as the 71-year-old suspect was released on police bail.

Sussex Police said: “Four men have reported being sexually assaulted as children by a teacher at the now closed St Aubyn’s School, in Rottingdean, between 1990 and 1995.

“A 71-year-old man from Cardiff has been arrested on suspicion of gross indecency with a child and interviewed under caution.

“He has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

“Officers are asking anyone who has information that could support the investigation, particularly pupils and staff at St Aubyn’s School around that time, to contact police online or via 101, quoting Operation Boundless.”