VIOLIN teacher Wen Zhou Li, 57, from the Chetham's School of Music and Royal Northern College of Music, has been arrested on suspicion of sexual offences, according to reports in The Guardian.
The latest arrest comes after the institution's former director, Michael Brewer, 68, was found guilty of indecently assaulting a former pupil. Wen Zhou Li, who is originally from China, has taught at both institutions since 1996.
In relation to allegations made, we have today arrested a 57-year-old man from Cheshire on suspicion of committing rape. This also relates to historic offences and he will be interviewed later today by detectives."
A spokeswoman for the RNCM told The Guardian: "Wen Zhou Li has been suspended from the college. I can't comment further at this time."
Greater Manchester Police has confirmed a 57-year-old man was this morning arrested on suspicion of rape and remains in police custody for questioning.
Chief Superintendent Russ Jackson, said: “We are aware of the widespread media coverage about our investigation into reports of historic sexual abuse at Chetham's.
“Continued speculation in the press about former teachers and incidents can be unhelpful to the victims and the investigation. This is therefore something we cannot comment on directly at present.
“That said, we understand the need for as much transparency as possible so what we can say is this investigation is looking into more than 20 individual reports of sexual offences reported by former pupils at the school.
“In relation to allegations made, we have today arrested a 57-year-old man from Cheshire on suspicion of committing rape. This also relates to historic offences and he will be interviewed later today by detectives.
“Various names have been mentioned in the press of people involved in offences, clearly we will use this information, comparing it against allegations made. If any of those publicly named wish to speak to police directly now, we will of course interview them to take their account.
“In the meantime we will continue to interview witnesses and victims and take action following this.
“These are historic offences which involved a relatively small number of teachers. For obvious reasons there is a limited amount of information we can provide, but where we can provide information we will.
“We are working closely with victims and witnesses and will have specially trained officers to support them. We have formed a dedicated team of investigators to look into this and are working closely with the school.
“It is also important to point out that given the number of people we need to speak to and the number of enquiries to be done, this is an investigation that could take some time. While we appreciate the anguish of victims who have waited years to come forward, it is only right and proper we do things robustly and comprehensively. Whilst we will work expeditiously, this cannot be rushed.”
STATEMENT FROM CLAIRE MORELAND, HEAD OF CHETHAM'S
I have announced to the parents, students and staff of Chetham’s that a part-time tutor has been arrested by the police. The police have told me that the allegation made about this individual relates to a historic incident.
The tutor has been suspended. The School has already made it clear that we are working with the police to get to the bottom of these serious allegations and it has encouraged, and continues to encourage, those with any relevant information to contact the police.
My team and I are working hard to ensure that students, staff and parents are given all the information and support they need at this time.
I am happy to speak to anyone involved in the school with questions or concerns. It is a very challenging time for all of us and we are extremely heartened by all the messages of support we have had.
It would not be appropriate for me to make any further public statement on the current arrest or broader investigation into historic abuse.
