TWO children were involved in an incident which resulted in a nursery temporarily closing on Friday, after a police investigation was launched into a former member of staff.

As reported on The Gazette’s website on Saturday, parents of Busy Bees, in Hatchwarren Way, were told on Friday that the nursery would close so a “thorough investigation can take place.”

Busy Bees has confirmed that police informed them that the former worker was arrested on suspicion of committing a minor physical assault against two children.

Kelly Fairbrass, regional director of Busy Bees, said: “We cannot disclose any further details but parents of the children that have been associated with this case have already been contacted by the police.”

She added that police have "no concerns" with the nursery or staff, and said: "All parents have been notified and spoken to by the nursery and regional and divisional director and the police have spoken to two sets of parents in order to alleviate concerns."

The nursery, which is managed by Julie Weedon, has two buildings on the site – one for babies and children aged up to two-years and the other for children aged two to five.

There are 60 children on roll.

There is also a separate after-school club for children up to the age of 12.

Busy Bees has nurseries across the country, including two others in Basingstoke – in Chineham and in the grounds of Basingstoke hospital.

Hampshire Constabulary confirmed that a 22-year-old woman from Basingstoke was arrested on January 31 on suspicion of a minor physical assault and was released on bail, pending further enquiries, until March 7.