by Lynn Cox

lcox@thekmgroup.co.uk

A school caretaker has been arrested for allegedly trying to groom a teenage pupil for sexual activity.

Tony Langridge, 23, is suspended from Rainham School for Girls while police investigate.

He allegedly groomed the girl, who is under 16, using social networking site Facebook.

It is claimed Langridge also contacted the girl by text messages and police are believed to be analysing her mobile phone records.

He was arrested just before the summer holidays on suspicion of grooming or inciting a child to commit a sexual act and has been bailed by police pending further inquiries.

Langridge, from Rainham, is a former pupil at The Howard School, which shares a site with Rainham School for Girls, an academy in Derwent Way, Rainham.

A source claimed Langridge has aspirations of becoming a teacher himself.

One mum, who did not want to be named, said: “Lots of people in Rainham seem to know he’s been arrested and have been talking about it.

“It also seems to be the main topic of conversation of the girls who go to the school.”

A Medway Police spokesman confirmed a 23-year-old man was arrested on Sunday, July 24 and released on bail until Thursday, August 25.

A Medway Council spokesman said: “We can confirm that this member of staff has been suspended.

“We are unable to comment any further as there is an ongoing police investigation.”