ONE of Britain's top public schools was plunged into controversy last night as it emerged that a leading member of staff was under investigation.

Father Christian Shore, a housemaster at Ampleforth College, in North Yorkshire, was this week placed on "administrative leave" from the famous Roman Catholic school.

It follows allegations involving a former sixth-form pupil at the school near Helmsley. The alleged events are said to have happened more than ten years ago.

Last night, social services and the police confirmed they were carrying out an investigation.

A school spokesman said: "Suspicions have been raised concerning events affecting a sixth-form student which are said to have taken place more than a decade ago.

"We have a very clear policy which requires that any suspicion of this kind must be immediately and thoroughly investigated, regardless of the period that may have elapsed.

"While the investigation takes place it is, of course, necessary for the person to be away from the school."

The spokesman refused to elaborate on the allegation.

North Yorkshire County Council's social services department also declined to comment on the nature of the accusation.