Teacher in sex trade probe arrest

A Kent sports teacher has been suspended after being arrested on suspicion of involvement in people trafficking and prostitution.

Tim and Emma Blake-Bowell, of Canterbury, were questioned as part of a country-wide police investigation into the sex trade.

Mr Blake-Bowell, 46, a PE teacher, at King Ethelbert School, in Thanet, and his wife were released without charge.

The school said he had been suspended pending a full investigation.

Mr and Mrs Blake-Bowell have been bailed until 18 March.

'Decisive action'

In a statement King Ethelbert School head teacher, Carole Bailey, said: "The school has taken immediate and decisive action in response to the situation.

"He was suspended on Friday 14 December 2007 pending a full investigation into the allegations."

The pair were arrested along with nine other people at 11 addresses in Ramsgate, Sittingbourne, Herne Bay and Canterbury.

Four women taken into police care following the raids could face deportation if it is found that they entered the UK illegally.

Yoke Chan Li, 55, of Margate Road, Ramsgate, has been charged with conspiracy to control the activity of prostitutes for gain and illegally entering the UK, and remanded in police custody.