A primary school teacher has been charged with sexually assaulting two children this month and last month.
Sussex Police said: “A West Sussex primary school teacher has been charged with the sexual assault of two children.
“Police received a report on Thursday (12 February) that two boys had been sexually assaulted between January and February of this year.
“An investigation was launched and Joseph Haffenden, 32, of High Street, in Lindfield, was arrested and subsequently charged with two counts of sexual assault and two counts of false imprisonment.
“Haffenden is a teacher at St Peter’s Catholic Primary School, in East Grinstead, but has been suspended by the school.
“Both victims and their families are being supported by specialist officers.
“He appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court today (Saturday 14 February) where he was remanded in custody to appear before a court to be confirmed on Friday 13 March.”
Detective Superintendent Jay Mendis-Gunasekera said: “We acted swiftly as soon as these allegations were received to ensure appropriate safeguarding measures were in place.
“We will continue to engage with our partners and the school to ensure there are no wider concerns as we look ahead to trial.”
