Barnet Council has written to concerned parents after a youth worker was suspended following an allegation of serious sexual offences.

Eugine Charlesworth, 37, of Wolsey Grove in Burnt Oak, was arrested by police on November 20 in connection with an alleged incident on November 18 or 19.

He appeared at Hendon Magistrates Court on November 21 charged with serious sexual offences and was granted bail to appear again in January.

Barnet Council immediately suspended Charlesworth, who has worked for eight years at the Church Farm Youth Centre off Church Hill Road in East Barnet.

The alleged incident did not take place while Charlesworth was at work, the council said.

Annabel Coakley, public relations manager for Barnet Council, said it remained confident in its screening process for employees. "Everyone who passes these doors and will ever work with children will have to have a police check that is always done," she said.

Church Farm Youth Centre runs youth clubs and schemes for nine to 18-year-olds and the youth service has written to parents of children who use the centre to explain what has happened.

Councillor Anne Jarvis, cabinet member for children, said: "We are shocked and deeply concerned that someone in a position of trust and the care of young people has been charged with these crimes.

"We would like to re-assure families that the welfare and safety of children and young people are our top priorities and we will continue our investigation [into the alleged offences] until we are satisfied we have all the facts."

If you are concerned about the allegation, call the council's youth office on 020 8359 3026.