Police have arrested a violin teacher, 57, over historic sex abuse claims at the prestigious Manchester music school where choirmaster abused former pupil, says Daily Mail Reporter…
A violin teacher who came to Britain on the invitation of Yehudi Menuhin has been arrested by detectives investigating sex abuse at Chetham’s School of Music in the 1970s and 80s.
Professor Wen Zhou Li, who has tutored some of the country’s brightest musical talents over the past 25 years, was last night being held on suspicion of rape.
The 57-year-old is the first teacher to be arrested following the conviction of Michael Brewer for indecently assaulting Frances Andrade, who committed suicide halfway through the trial.
Police have now received more than 20 allegations of sexual abuse from former Chetham’s pupils. They are thought to relate to six teachers.
One ex-student revealed she was shocked by the arrest. She said: ‘Violin teachers have to have physical contact, but there was never anything inappropriate.’
Li, originally from China, now a professor at the Royal Northern College of Music but a former teacher at Chetham’s, was arrested yesterday morning on suspicion of rape.
A spokesman for the RNCM said: ‘We can confirm that Wen Zhou Li has been suspended. We are unable to comment further.’
Greater Manchester Police Chief Supt Russ Jackson said: ‘This investigation is looking into more than 20 individual reports of sexual offences reported by former pupils at the school.
‘In relation to allegations made, we have today arrested a 57-year-old man from Cheshire on suspicion of committing rape. This also relates to historic offences and he will be interviewed later.
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If you have been a victim of sexual abuse, you may be able to claim damages for your ordeal. Contact Marie Neilson for confidential and sensitive advice on 0161 833 0044 or email Marie at m.neilson@abacus-law.co.uk