A MAN has been arrested and charged over allegations he sexually assaulted two young schoolboys at an Inverclyde primary school.

Daniel Wilkie is accused of inappropriately touching the six-year-olds whilst working in his capacity as a sports coach.

The 25-year-old has appeared in court on two charges relating to alleged incidents which are said to have taken place at Inverkip Primary.

Prosecutors say that Wilkie — who is understood to be employed through the Active Schools initiative — placed his hand inside the shorts of one boy and rubbed his private parts.

It is alleged that he committed an almost identical offence against the second boy by placing his hand inside the lad’s shorts and underwear.

The alleged sexual assaults are said to have taken place at the school on Station Road, Inverkip, on January 31.

Inverclyde Council’s head of education, Ruth Binks, issued letters to parents regarding the matter on Thursday — the same day that the Telegraph contacted the local authority about it.

In the letter, Ms Binks states: “This is to inform you that allegations were made that led us immediately to put in place our child protection procedures and the matter was referred to police.

“Because of the ongoing police investigations we are limited in the amount of information which can be released.

“However, we are now in a position to confirm that a person has been charged with contravention of the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009.”

Ms Binks adds: “While understandably parents and carers will be concerned, please be assured that steps have been taken to ensure the ongoing safety of pupils.

“Protection of children is a priority for Inverclyde Council and on any occasion when situations of this nature are made known to us, we immediately initiate our child protection procedures and contact Police Scotland.”

A Police Scotland spokeswoman confirmed: “A 25-year-old man was arrested on Friday, February 10, in connection with an alleged sexual assault in Inverclyde on Tuesday, January 31.”

Active Schools is a partnership between sportscotland and the country’s 32 councils to run sporting activities for children.

Wilkie pleaded not guilty to the two charges against him through lawyer Aidan Gallagher after appearing at Greenock Sheriff Court on the matters earlier this week.

He has been bailed and told he must attend an identity parade on 48 hours notice.

Wilkie, of Brookfield Road, Port Glasgow, is due back in court in April.