ALLEGATIONS of an illicit sexual liaison between a Dundee secondary teacher and a 17-year-old schoolboy were branded a “complete fabrication” last night.

Police confirmed late last week that they had launched a probe at the request of the Dundee City Council education department.

It is understood the boy has denied the allegations, and a friend of the 29-year-old teacher has now claimed her reputation is being unfairly tarnished.

“I know the teacher personally and I can assure you that this is a complete fabrication and she has at no point acted inappropriately with a student,” he said.

“I am deeply saddened to see my friend’s reputation tarnished in this way. I have known her for many years and I know that she would never mistreat a minor.”

The mother of two, now thought to have quit her job at a school in the city, was said by witnesses at a party thrown by another teacher in Broughty Ferry last month to have conducted herself illegally with the boy, who has now left school.

Although the boy is over 16 and above the age of consent, the Age of Consent and Abuse of Trust Bill which was introduced a number of years ago makes it clear that consenting relations between a person under 18 and an adult in a position of authority are illegal, and punishable by a jail term of up to five years for the adult.

It is understood that a number of pupils who were at the end of term party are to be interviewed by police as part of an investigation.

A council spokesperson declined to comment on whether the teacher had now left the school or what action, if any, was being taken.