Ex-Teacher Accused Of Sex Abuse Kills Himself

A former violin teacher at a prestigious Manchester music school who was facing sexual abuse allegations shot himself dead as officers arrived to arrest him at his home in the US.

Chris Ling was facing extradition to Britain for allegedly abusing pupils while working as a freelance violin teacher at Chetham's School of Music in the 1980s.

The 58-year-old died at his home in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, as officers from the US Marshals Office arrived to detain him early on Tuesday morning.

A spokeswoman for the US Marshals Office said: "A team of US Marshals went to arrest Mr Ling and before they could do so he shot himself."

She said it was likely he would have been extradited back to the UK.

Greater Manchester Police said it was considering launching extradition proceedings last year after evidence detailing complaints about Ling were submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service.

It said he "failed to return to the United Kingdom" to answer questions.

Ten woman are reported to come forward with allegations against Ling as part of a wider investigation into abuse at the school, named Operation Kiso.

A number of individuals were implicated in the scandal in the wake of the high-profile trial of the school's former music director Michael Brewer in 2013.

Historical allegations heard during the trial suggested sexual activity between teachers and pupils at Chetham's was not uncommon.

Brewer was found guilty of indecently assaulting ex-pupil Frances Andrade , 48, when she was aged 14 and 15 and sentenced to six years behind bars.

Mrs Andrade committed suicide at her home in Guildford, Surrey, a week after giving evidence.