TENSIONS are running so high at the school where convicted paedophile Jane Voss used to work that police have been stationed outside.

Voss was a nursery school worker at Nightingale Primary School in Ashbourne Avenue, South Woodford, before she was convicted for making and distributing obscene images of herself engaging in sexual acts with children.

None of the offences involved children at the school, but parents have been left angry and shocked by the case and one mum, Kathy Mason, who supported Voss in court, is now receiving police protection when she collects her children from school.

Mum-of-two Rochelle Reeves, who lives just yards from Voss's home in Grosvenor Road, Wanstead, said she was angry at being quizzed by police in front of other parents, on suspicion of harrassing Ms Mason.

She said: "It was completely humiliating being questioned by police in front of my children and all the other mums outside the school.

"They said they had received a complaint about me and other mums threatening Cathy, which is complete nonsense.

"A lot of us are disgusted by the fact that she gave evidence in court in support of Voss, but no-one has threatened or abused her in any way."

Her views were backed by mum Sarah Pettifer, who questioned the fairness of the move when, she claims, other parents at the school had received little support, or counselling, since Voss's offences were first uncovered.

She said: "I think the police have got this the wrong way around to be honest.

"Why should this woman get preferential treatment, with loads of taxpayers' cash being spent on her protection, when we haven't had any help?"

Speaking on behalf of the school, a Redbridge council spokesman said the patrols were put in place to retain outside the gates after Ms Mason was harrassed by a small group of parents.

Police confirmed regular patrols were being conducted to reassure' mums and dads, and that Ms Reeves was free to make a complaint if she was unhappy with the conduct of any officers.

Ms Mason refused to comment on the issue.

Jane Voss is due to be sentenced on May 8.