A teacher has appeared in court charged with sexually assaulting two boys.

Joseph Haffenden, of High Street in Lindfield, West Sussex, also faces two counts of false imprisonment related to incidents between January and February this year.

A Sussex Police spokesman said Haffenden was a teacher and has been suspended by the school having been arrested after the incident was reported.

The 32-year-old appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Saturday and was remanded in custody for a further court hearing on March 13, the force added.

“Both victims and their families are being supported by specialist officers,” the force said.

Detective Superintendent Jay Mendis-Gunasekera said: “We acted swiftly as soon as these allegations were received to ensure appropriate safeguarding measures were in place.

“We will continue to engage with our partners and the school to ensure there are no wider concerns as we look ahead to trial.”