A PRISON officer at a Suffolk jail has been arrested following allegations of sexual assault made by a young offender.

Anthony Bond

A PRISON officer at a Suffolk jail has been arrested following allegations of sexual assault made by a young offender.

Suffolk police said it is investigating the allegations which were made by an 18-year-old male inmate at Warren Hill prison, in Hollesley, earlier this year.

The prisoner claims to have been sexually assaulted on several occasions between August last year and March.

A 53-year-old male prison officer has been suspended by the Prison Service while the police investigate.

A Suffolk police spokeswoman said: “Suffolk police are investigating allegations of sexual assault that were made by an 18-year-old man earlier this year. The 18-year-old reported being sexually assaulted on several occasions between August last year and March.

“A 53-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of abusing a position of trust - sexual activity with a male. He has been bailed to return to Ipswich Police Station on August 19.”

A Prison Service spokesman added: “A member of staff at Warren Hill is currently suspended pending the outcome of a police investigation. This is a matter for the police.”

The Youth Justice Board last night said it is liaising with Warren Hill about the incident and keeping under review how it manages the situation, including child protection protocols.

Earlier this month, the Prison Officers Association called for an investigation into the prison following claims made about its safety.

The union said it was “extremely concerned” following allegations made by a current prison officer as well as two former employees. The claims made to the EADT included that prisoners were treated to a “holiday-camp” lifestyle, staff morale was rock bottom and discipline was lax with staff fearing for their safety. The concerns were based around shortfalls in staff.

Warren Hill has a capacity of 222 and houses some of the country's most dangerous offenders.