A TEACHER is facing a police investigation over claims he showed pornographic pictures to teenage girls.
The unnamed science teacher was immediately suspended when the allegations came to light. They centre on claims that he behaved "inappropriately" towards 13 and 14-year-old girls at Monkwearmouth Comprehensive school in Sunderland.
School authorities took action after a number of complaints were made by teenage pupils last Wednesday.
It is understood that the complaints made by pupils include one that the teacher showed pictures to the girls in a pornographic magazine. There is no suggestion that pupils were physically abused.
The teacher had been supplied to the comprehensive school by a private agency on short-term contract.
The headteacher of the school refused to comment.
But Northumbria Police and the local education authority confirmed that a teacher had been suspended following complaints, and that police were investigating.
A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: "We can confirm that a teacher at a Sunderland school has been suspended following complaints made within the school.
"The matter is being investigated by officers from Northumbria Police."
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