A TAXI driver who died when his car hit a tree was being investigated for allegedly taking indecent photographs of children, it has emerged.

Maurice Anthony Fenwick, of Colburn, North Yorkshire, was killed in a crash on Thursday. No other cars were involved.

The 64-year-old, a former chairman of Richmond Taxi Owners' Association, had a contract with North Yorkshire County Council to provide school transport services.

Last night, the authority confirmed he had been suspended after allegations were made against him.

A spokesman for the council said: "We can confirm Mr Fenwick was contracted by North Yorkshire County Council to provide home-to-school transport and was suspended after serious criminal allegations were made against him.

"The welfare of children and young people is of paramount importance to the county council.

"It follows all appropriate procedures to check the suitability of staff to work with children and acts promptly on any matters of concern."

North Yorkshire Police declined to comment on the inquiry, only saying: "It would not be appropriate at this time. The full facts will be reported to the coroner in due course."

However, The Northern Echo has learnt that police received at least two allegations of child abuse against the taxi driver.

The allegations were made by the parents of children who were taken to and from local schools.

It is understood Mr Fenwick, who was known as Moss, had been interviewed by police two days prior to his fatal crash.

He was confronted by one parent the day before.

Mr Fenwick was contracted to transport children to schools in the Catterick Garrison, Colburn and Catterick Village area.

The parents of one child told The Northern Echo police had shown them a picture of their child that had allegedly been found on Mr Fenwick's computer.

They said the picture showed the child partially undressed.

The child's father said: "I'm totally devastated. I feel as if I have failed my child - I'm a grown man and I can't even make sure my child gets to school safely.

"When the policeman told me about the picture I thought 'this can't be happening'."

Mr Fenwick leaves a wife and grown-up children.

Colburn residents withdrew money collected for the taxi driver's family when news of the allegations spread at the weekend.

A county council spokesman said Mr Fenwick last underwent a Criminal Records Bureau check in 2004. He passed.

The crash happened on the B6136, between Colburn and Catterick Racecourse, at about 11.30am on Thursday. The silver Ford Mondeo left the road, hit a tree and came to a stop in a field. Mr Fenwick died at the scene.