Ampleforth College revealed today that some pupils may have accepted drugs allegedly offered to them by a member of staff.

The revelation came as five boys from the top Roman Catholic public school near Helmsley gave statements yesterday to police investigating the drugs scandal.

The Evening Press reported last week that a male member of non-teaching staff had been dismissed after two pupils reported to the school that he had offered them drugs.

The man, who does not wish to be identified, protested his "total innocence" and complained at being sacked while the matter was still under investigation. His home was raided by police, but nothing was found.

Now the school's headmaster, Father Leo Chamberlain, has said in a statement that he believes some boys may have accepted cannabis, while others did not.

"While the quantities were very small, and other drugs did not appear to have been involved, we are nevertheless taking the situation very seriously.

"Any boys who are found to have accepted and used this drug will be disciplined."

He said the school's own investigations were continuing, and it was offering the fullest possible assistance to the police in any action they might take against the man at the centre of the allegations.

"Every school is vulnerable to this kind of approach, but it is vital that suppliers to children should understand that their actions are repugnant and unacceptable, and that uncompromising action will be taken against them."

He said the boys were making their statements voluntarily, and with the full support of their parents, and they deserved full credit for providing information which had enabled the school to take action.

A police spokesman said today that five pupils had been interviewed under caution yesterday and had given statements.

He said no arrests had been made.

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