A FORMER teacher and choirmaster has been charged as part of an investigation into child sexual offences in south Essex spanning more than 40 years.

The investigation relates to alleged offences against 19 people between 1980 and 2021 in Brentwood and the Havering area.

David Pickthall, of Cheveley Park, Cheveley, Suffolk has been charged with 24 counts of indecent assault, 10 counts of observing a person doing a private act, and three counts of making an indecent image of a child.

The 65 year-old was working as a choirmaster in the borough of Havering and a teacher in Brentwood during some of this time period.

He is due to appear at Colchester Magistrates' Court on October 8.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "If you have any information relating to this investigation, please get in contact quoting the crime reference number 42/238353/21.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service which is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week. 

"Visit essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our online reporting services.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111."