Claims of sexual assault at Bay of Plenty high school

Photo / File

Fresh claims of sexual assault at a Bay of Plenty high school have emerged.

An inquiry was launched in September after claims surfaced involving junior girls and senior boys from Opotiki College.

Detective Inspector Mark Loper said the inquiry was ongoing and more alleged victims had come forward after a police appeal.

"It's increased since the investigation commenced," he said.

While Loper would not be drawn on whether claimants and their alleged abusers crossed paths at the school, he confirmed arrangements had been made to protect students caught up in the probe.

"We had plans in place that allowed some normality in all of their lives," he said.

Opotiki College acting head Bruce Dale said he was not able to comment because the allegations related to incidents that allegedly occurred outside school hours.

Ministry of Education's head of sector enablement Katrina Casey said officials were in regular contact with school management to make sure the police investigation wasn't disrupting day-to-day routines at the school and to offer any extra assistance if needed.