A FORMER teacher at Weyford Junior School in Bordon has been charged with criminal acts involving six girls under the age of 13.

Timothy Edward Bleach, 75, of Hazel Walk, Broadway Park, Petersfield, was charged has been charged with 46 counts of criminal acts involving six girls under the age of 13 during the 1970s in Hampshire.

He was bailed until March 15 when he is due to appear at the South-East Hampshire Magistrates Court.

He was arrested as a result of investigations by detectives from Hampshire Constabulary’s Operation Marmion into non-recent cases of child sexual exploitation and abuse.

Mr Bleach was a teacher at Weyford Junior School during the time of the alleged offences in the 1970s.

The charges form part of Hampshire Constabulary’s ongoing review of non-recent child sexual exploitation and abuse cases based on two aspects.

These are: a national police action plan on child sexual exploitation, and a request by Simon Hayes, Hampshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, to examine the child sexual exploitation situation in the county between 1997 and 2013.

The review includes a re-examination of available evidence, and the offer of additional support (with partner agencies) to those affected by exploitation and abuse.

Anyone with information should call Operation Marmion detectives at Hampshire Constabulary on 101 or the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555111.