A village headteacher investigated for allegedly assaulting a colleague at a staff party will not face any criminal charges.

Police launched an inquiry following claims Herstmonceux Church of England Primary School head Bridget Lawson had assaulted a classroom assistant.

She was alleged to have assaulted Vicki Ede, 38, of Bodle Street Green, near Hailsham, following a heated row in the toilets of a hotel in December, last year.

But today, it emerged police have found insufficient evidence against Mrs Lawson, 50, of Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne, to bring any further action against her.

They have now dropped their investigations against Mrs Lawson, who has been on indefinite leave from the school.

A force spokesman confirmed today: "We have investigated allegations of common assault made by a woman.

"However, following a thorough inquiry, it has been decided that there is insufficient evidence to take any further action."

Mrs Lawson - headteacher at 200-pupil school for about seven years - was unavailable for comment today.

The local education authority has said it will hold an inquiry into a "sensitive staffing matter" once the police inquiry was complete.