Exeter teacher was under police investigation before death

An Exeter teacher was suspended from his job and under police investigation prior to his untimely death, the school has confirmed. They have released a statement today (February 22) due to "speculation surrounding events leading up to his death".

On Friday, February 16, it was announced that Mr Paul Ruff, a PE teacher at St Peter's Church of England Aided School in Exeter had died suddenly. The school said that Mr Ruff had been one of their longest serving teachers and was "well-respected within the community".

Announcing his death, they said: "We at St Peter's are saddened to hear news of the death of Mr Paul Ruff. Paul had been one of our longest serving teachers at St Peters and was well-respected within the community.

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"In these most difficult and challenging times, our thoughts and prayers are with Paul's family and closest friends. We ask that we allow family, friends, students and colleagues the time and space they need to come to terms with this tragic loss."

In a follow-up statement today, the school says they are now in a position to confirm that Mr Ruff had been under police investigation prior to his death. He had also been suspended by the school during the investigation. It has not been confirmed what the investigation related to or how he died.

The school has urged anyone with information that may assist police to call 101. They say that students and staff are being offered internal and external pastoral support.

The statement, which was emailed to parents and published on the school's website, says: "As promised, here is a further update regarding the untimely death of one of our teachers, Mr Ruff.

"We are aware that there have been levels of speculation surrounding events leading up to his death and we are now in a position to confirm that Mr Ruff was under police investigation prior to his passing, and that he had been suspended by the school pending the police’s investigation.

"Please be reassured that internal and external pastoral support will continue to be available for both students and staff. Please consider using the information in the letter sent earlier this week on Monday 19th February to support at home as this will build on approaches we are utilising in school.

"We understand this is an upsetting time for our school community and would encourage families to utilise support available. Unfortunately the school is not able to provide any additional updates or detail on the police investigation itself but we will ensure that the wellbeing of our students remains our focus. We have asked the police to update us on their investigation when they are in a position to do so.

"Any individual or family who believe they may have information of interest, for the police, are encouraged to contact them directly by calling 101.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with our whole community as we come to terms with this news. Thank you for your support during this difficult time."

Following his death, former pupils paid tribute to Mr Ruff, describing him as "inspirational" and "one of the best" teachers. One even said that Mr Ruff's teaching had inspired him to become a PE teacher himself.