A PRESTIGIOUS North-East school could face legal action from a former pupil who claims he was sexually abused.

The alleged victim says he was abused while a pupil at The Chorister School linked to Durham Cathedral in the 1950s.

The man, who is in his 60s, made his allegations to Durham Police and the school’s current headmistress Yvette Day.

He told a national newspaper: “It has taken me many years of anguish before I have been able to talk to anyone about the abuse.

“The abuse has left me emotionally scarred. The latest scandals have brought these terrible memories flooding back.”

Durham Police have told the man they cannot investigate his allegations because the suspect has died.

His solicitor Liz Dux, of Slater and Gordon, is preparing to issue a Letter of Claim to the school stating that he intends to sue.

She said the man spoke out in the wake of the publicity surrounding Jimmy Savile.

The Very Reverend Michael Sadgrove, Dean of Durham, said: “When any church-related abuse or allegation of abuse comes to light our first concern is always for the victim – both that they are being supported and with an acknowledgement that the effects of abuse can be lifelong.

“As a Church we will always apologise for past systems that let down the vulnerable and offer support to anyone whose life has been affected.

“Durham Cathedral has been made aware of allegations relating to historic abuse over 50 years ago at The Chorister School. The matter was immediately reported to the police."  

He could not comment further because of the civil proceedings.

He added that robust safeguarding policies were now in place and that anyone with concerns about safeguarding in the Church should come forward.

Durham Police said the allegation was reported in November and a statement was taken but the investigation could not be progessed because the suspect had died.