North Yorkshire teacher charged with sex offences Published duration 16 March 2013

image caption The 31-year-old man is due back at York Magistrates' Court for a committal hearing in May

A primary school teacher in York has been charged with more than 20 offences involving children.

Parents of children at three schools where he worked have been sent a letter making them aware of the allegations.

A 31-year-old man appeared before York Magistrates' Court on Friday.

He has been charged with 23 offences, including possessing indecent images, voyeurism, making indecent images, sexual touching and sexual activity with a boy under 13, police said.

In a letter from Eoin Rush, assistant director of York Council, parents were told: "North Yorkshire Police have confirmed that if any parent has not already been contacted by them, it is reasonable to assume that their child has not been affected by this man's alleged behaviour.

"However, it is right to point out that Police enquiries are ongoing and if as a result of these enquiries any further concerns are uncovered the Police will be in contact with anyone affected directly."

Responding to the news, one parent told BBC News: "I don't think the concern is so much that people's children have necessarily been directly involved.

"I think, for me, the concern is that my child likes this teacher, enjoyed being taught by this teacher, and just feels slightly bewildered and shocked at it - not just what's happened but by all the attention as well."

A police spokesman said the teacher was granted conditional court bail to an address outside the county.