Nursery worker charged with child abuse

A 20-year-old nursery worker has been remanded in custody charged with raping a child.

Paul Wilson, of Newbold Croft, Nechells, Birmingham, was not required to enter a plea when he appeared at the city's magistrates' court facing two charges of raping a child between early 2009 and last summer.

Wilson, who spoke only to confirm his personal details, was charged with the offences on Thursday night after an inquiry into alleged sexual abuse centred on the Little Stars Nursery in Nechells.

Wilson, dressed in a dark hooded coat and blue jeans, bowed his head during the majority of the four-minute hearing.

No application for bail was made on Wilson's behalf and he was ordered to reappear at Birmingham Crown Court next Friday.

Wilson was arrested at his home in in the early hours of Wednesday.

West Midlands Police subsequently launched an inquiry in relation to his employment at the nursery following the seizure of a computer from his home.

Superintendent Matt Ward said there was no evidence of other children being abused at the nursery in Nechells Park Road, which has been temporarily closed.

Parents of children at Little Stars and families of children who previously attended were being contacted, the officer added.

The nursery is not run by Birmingham City Council, but they are helping police with their enquiries.

A spokesperson for the council said: "We are working closely with West Midlands Police and will continue to keep parents informed of the situation.

We've set up a helpline with specialist staff to offer help and advise. The number is 0121 675 4806.