Trowbridge College lecturer Mark Mullis has been suspended after he was arrested on suspicion of committing a sexual offence against a teenager.

Mr Mullis, 40, of The Down, Trowbridge, was arrested at the campus in College Road on Thursday, following an allegation he has committed a sexual offence, believed to involve a girl under the age of 16.

Mr Mullis, who is also a director and player at Trowbridge Cricket Club, has been at the college for several years and teaches practical skills. He is said to be well-liked by students.

Officials at the college have confirmed an employee had been suspended after his “discreet” arrest.

Wiltshire College vice-principal Bev Flanagan, said: “He has been suspended pending the outcome of the police investigation.

“The college are co-operating fully with the police in this matter.

“The safeguarding of our students is central to everything we do in the college and we have a clear set of policies in place to ensure that this happens.”

Up until his arrest, Mr Mullis was also the director of female cricket at Trowbridge Cricket Club in Timbrell Street, but has now been told to stay away from the club by the England Cricket Board.

Mr Mullis, who separated from his wife Louise at Christmas, has been a regular player with the club’s second team, and has already played in four games this season.

He has previously been co-manager of the Wiltshire Ladies Cricket Team and has in the past played for clubs in Bradford on Avon and North Bradley.

Trowbridge Cricket Club captain Chris Dawson said: “Trowbridge Cricket Club were informed of the player’s arrest and subsequent bail late last Thursday evening.

“The club contacted the ECB on Friday informing them of the situation and seeking advice in relation to this matter.

“As a result of that advice the player was immediately withdrawn from all activities and told to stay away from the club until further notice.”

Bob Holman, chairman of the Wiltshire Cricket Board, said it would not release a statement about the matter until after its monthly board meeting on Monday.

A Wiltshire Police spokesman confirmed an investigation is under way.

She said: “A 40-year-old man who has been arrested in connection with a sexual allegation on Thursday, May 27, has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.”

It is understood that Mr Mullis has been bailed until July when he will have to return to a local police station.