The man has since been charged with 33 counts of indecent assault upon a male.

Armidale’s Acting Crime Manager Inspector Stuart Gray yesterday told The Express more claims have been made against the man since news of the arrest broke.

“As a result of the media reports we believe we have identified further potential victims,” he said.

“They contacted detectives since we issued the media release on Friday.

“We encourage this to continue.” 

Inspector Gray said the new claims were somewhat of a surprise to detectives.

“It is perhaps an unexpected by-product [of our media statements],” he said.

“When people see that things are moving along ... they’re more likely to come forward.”

Police will allege the man sexually assaulted 18 Ben Venue Primary School students between 1970 and 1974, when he was working as a teacher.

It is believed the majority of the alleged assaults took place on the school grounds. 

Charges were laid after a recommendation from the Royal Commission into Sex Abuse in 2013.

The claim sparked the launch of Strike Force Flair by detectives from the New England Local Area Command.  

More than 18 months later police are continuing their investigation, despite having already collected extensive information on the case.

Inspector Gray encouraged anyone with information that may assist police to contact the Armidale Police Station on 6771 0699.