- ITV weather presenter's home raided as part of investigation into claims of abuse at boys' grammar school
- Fred Talbot, 63, taught at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys in the 1970s
- Weatherman best known for presenting on This Morning's floating map
By Sara Malm
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Police investigating historic allegations of sex abuse against children, yesterday raided the home of television weatherman Fred Talbot.
The 63-year-old, who presented the weather on This morning in the late 80s, had his house searched as part of an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse at a Cheshire school where he taught before moving into TV.
Mr Talbot is currently on holiday sailing across the Atlantic Ocean and claims he does not know why police searched his house in Bowdon, Greater Manchester.
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Fred the weatherman: Fred Talbot appearing on This Morning in 1991 wearing one of his famous patterned jumpers
On the map: Fred Talbot presenting the weather from Liverpool's Albert Dock during This Morning in 1989
He is best known for his colourful appearances on the weather map for ITV's This Morning programme when hosted by Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan at Liverpool's Albert Dock.
It is believed Mr Talbot, who remains the weatherman on the station's North West regional news programme Granada Reports, will be questioned by police upon his return to Britain from his holiday in the new year.
Greater Manchester Police are investigating allegations of sexual abuse at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys which is said to have taken place in the 1970s.
Mr Talbot was a biology teacher at the school before moving to television in 1984.
The offences under investigation at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys did not happen within school grounds but allegedly involved a member of staff at the time, police said.
Famous: TV Weatherman Fred Talbot is best known for his colourful appearances on the weather map for ITV's This Morning programme at Liverpool's Albert Dock
Popular: Fred Talbot would often have a large audience of people watching him as he presented the weather live in Liverpool
A man and a woman attended to Mr Talbot's house in south Manchester yesterday and told The Sun newspaper he would not be back in the UK until the New year.
'He knows police searched his house but says he doesn't know why,' the woman told The Sun.
Greater Manchester Police said 'The offences under investigation didn't occur within school grounds but allegedly involved a member of staff.'
His agent Dave Warwick told The Sun he was unaware of the police search and that he was unable to get hold of his client who is on a sailing holiday.
On holiday: Mr Talbot tweeted the top message to his followers on December 10, the day before his home was searched. The bottom message was posted six days later
On December 10, Mr Talbot told followers on his Twitter account that he was sailing in the Atlantic Ocean for six days after leaving Madeira.
Six days later, he posted: 'Land at last. After six days at sea St Kitts.'
Greater Manchester Police said a number of warrants were executed on December 11 but no arrests have yet been made.
Last month, a 63-year-old former teacher at St Ambrose College in Hale Barns was held on suspicion of indecent assault of an ex-pupil and possession of indecent images dating back to the early 1980s.
He was later bailed pending further inquiries.
Popular presenter: Mr Talbot currently works for ITV Granada and is seen presenting the weather on Daybreak last year
Investigation: Fred Talbot's home in south Manchester was raided by police on December 11
Damaged: This image shows the front door at the home of TV weatherman Fred Talbot following a police raid
Chief Superintendent Mark Roberts said: 'Following the publicity into the ongoing investigation in St Ambrose RC College, we received other reports of sexual abuse that is alleged to have occurred while the victims were pupils at the grammar school.
'While I must stress that once again these relate to historic allegations, it is incumbent on us to thoroughly and robustly investigate this matter.
'We currently have a dedicated phone line for anyone wanting to report any incidents in relation to these two ongoing but separate investigations and I would urge anyone with any information or who wishes to report any incidents to contact us in absolute confidence.'
Claims: Greater Manchester Police are investigating allegations of sexual abuse at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys which is said to have taken place in the 1970s
A statement from Altrincham Grammar School for Boys said: 'The headmaster (Tim Gartside) is concerned to learn of the allegations made against a member of staff who left the school almost 30 years ago.
'These are historic allegations and concern events, as reported, that took place out of school.
'They are in no way a reflection of the current safeguarding of pupils arrangements which are in place at the school at the moment.
'We are co-operating fully with the police in their inquiries.'
An ITV spokesman said: 'Given that there is a police investigation, it would not be appropriate for us to comment.'
Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 7555, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
VIDEO Fred Talbot is a regular weatherman on ITV Granada
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