A PETERSFIELD man has been charged with indecency offences against children by detectives from Hampshire Constabulary’s Operation Marmion investigations into non-recent cases of child sexual exploitation (CSE) and abuse.

Timothy Ernest Edward Bleach, aged 75, of Broadway Park, Petersfield was charged on Thursday, February 11, 2016 with 46 counts of criminal acts involving six girls under the age of 13 during the 1970s in Hampshire.

He was bailed until Tuesday, March 15, 2016 when he is due to appear at the South-East Hampshire Magistrates Court.

Mr Bleach was a teacher at school in Bordon during the time of the alleged offences in the 1970s.

The charges form part of Hampshire Constabulary’s ongoing review of non-recent CSE and abuse cases based on two aspects: a national police action plan on CSE, and a request by Simon Hayes, Police and Crime Commissioner, to examine the CSE situation locally between 1997 and 2013.

The review includes a re-examination of available evidence, and the offer of additional support alongside partner agencies to those affected by CSE and abuse.

Anyone with information can contact Operation Marmion detectives at Hampshire Constabulary by phoning 101.

Mini-com users can phone 18001 101.

Information can be given anonymously by phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.