Paedophile Teacher's Abuse 'Led To Suicides'

A former student of paedophile William James Vahey has said she believes three of her classmates killed themselves after being abused by the teacher.

Alicia, who was taught by Vahey during the 1980s in Saudi Arabia, said she heard rumours about the teacher years after she left school.

"The rumours were, later on, when we would have reunions ... that certain people in my circle, there were three suicides of very popular students of his that were molested by him," she said.

"That was the rumour, and I cannot believe that this guy was still teaching students.

"That was the rumour: that Bill Vahey molested children and that ultimately three children had committed suicide as a result."

Asked to clarify the rumour further, Alicia said: "It's not a rumour. I mean, I know these people."

Vahey, who killed himself last month, is thought to have abused up to 90 boys during his career as a teacher, many of them in Britain.

The FBI says it is believed Vahey abused dozens of pupils at a London school. The American agency is leading the investigation into Vahey's crimes.

FBI special agent Shauna Dunlap said: "Without a doubt, this is certainly one of the most prolific suspected sexual predators that we've seen, given the numbers of children, potential victims, his position of trust, and so forth.

"And some of the allegations and the methods that are being alleged that he may have employed while committing these crimes."

Ms Dunlap added the FBI would not "stop seeking justice" just because Vahey is dead.

FBI agents are in the UK to assist with the investigation into abuse at Southbank International School in London. The 64-year-old taught history and geography there from 2009 to 2013.

Executive principal Graham Lacey said images of between 50 and 60 pupils at the school were found on the American national's computer.

The FBI is in possession of pictures of at least 90 different boys aged 12 to 14 and is concerned there could be more.

Because Vahey drugged some of his victims, many might not even know they were abused.

The school was closed on Friday and is asking for any pupils with disturbing experiences to come forward.

Parents of children there will have to chance to express their concerns to police at a meeting on Monday.

Chair of Governors Sir Chris Woodhead said: "The main anxiety of parents is predictable, they want information as soon as possible about whether there are images of their children discovered on Vahey's computer."

One of those concerned he may have been abused by the serial child molester during a field trip has spoken to The Guardian.

Jonathan told the newspaper: "I had my suspicions from the beginning. There was something a bit off about him.

"This was discussed among the boys: it was a case of Mr Vahey - the paedo."

Sky News has also obtained an FBI affidavit which reveals the extent of Vahey's abuse.

The document explains how Vahey reported a theft from his apartment in Nicaragua in 2013.

His maid was dismissed, but handed a memory stick she stole to the American Nicaraguan School in Managua, Nicaragua.

The images it contained "depict minor males in various states of undress" who "appear to be asleep, unconscious or possibly drugged".