CHARGES against a music teacher from Northwich accused of raping a former pupil at a music school in Manchester have been dropped.

Violinist Wen Zhou Li, of Vale Royal Drive, was accused of committing historic sexual offences against a teenage girl in 1996 and 1997 when he was teaching at Chetham's School of Music, but prosecutors offered no evidence.

The renowned musician, 61, was expected to stand trial later this year for one count of rape and two counts of indecent assault but the charges were dropped following a review of the case.

A spokesman for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), said: "All cases are subject to continuous review by the CPS.

"Following advice from prosecuting counsel the case was then subject to further review and the decision was taken to offer no evidence."

Chinese-born Li was arrested as part of an investigation launched by Greater Manchester Police following the sex abuse conviction of Chetham's former music director, Michael Brewer.

Brewer was jailed for six years in March 2013 after he was found guilty at Manchester Crown Court of indecently assaulting ex-pupil Frances Andrade, 48, more than 30 years ago when she was 14 and 15.

Mrs Andrade killed herself at her home in Guildford, Surrey, a week after giving evidence against him.