Tell us the truth! That is the clear message from parents, teachers and residents to the council and governors of a primary school where the popular head has vanished suddenly without satisfactory explanation.

In the past few days the Wimbledon Guardian has been contacted by a number of whistleblowers making serious allegations about bullying at West Wimbledon Primary School.

This followed the publication of an article last week about the mysterious disappearance of Carey Neil at the start of this term.

And it has now emerged that there is an ongoing investigation involving the school's former head despite a statement from Merton Council last week claiming she was away for "personal reasons".

Merton National Union of Teachers divisional secretary John Gourlay told the paper there is an ongoing investigation by the council but could not comment further at this stage.

He said he did not know how long it would take.

Asked about the investigation, the council, which has ultimate responsibility for the school, refused to add anything to the brief statement released by cabinet member for education, Councillor Martin Whelton, which said: "Due to personal reasons Mrs Neil has taken an extended leave of absence.

"An interim headteacher is in place."

The information blackout has angered many people connected to the school.

In a comment on last week's story one said: "The problem is if you don't inform people about what is going on, they come to their own conclusion."

Carole Wicks commented: "I think the spotlight now should be put on the governors of the school.

"They have not considered the whole picture regarding parents and pupils as there has been no communication.

"Not one governor has come to the forefront to explain the situation. Where are the governors in all this?"

But the school's vice chairman of governors Christopher Euden said on Monday: "We can't add more than the official line from the council.

"We have a great confidence in the interim head Mr Harris, and we are very happy with how the school is doing this term.

"We have full confidence in the running of the school.

"It is continuing to perform at a good level."

Speaking about Mrs Neil, Mr Euden said it is a personal matter and he could not comment.

One parent contacted the paper saying they were setting up a petition to bring back Mrs Neil, who has run the school for about 10 years and was credited by the governors for driving its successful SATs results.

A former pupil urged people to bring her back saying "She is the best headteacher in the world!"

Interim headteacher Simon Harris took over the reins of the school at the beginning of the term, a move which was announced to shocked parents in a newsletter.