UPDATE: Chichester Diocese sexual offence suspect released

AN 80-year old man arrested yesterday (Tuesday, November 13) at his home near Langport, Somerset, on suspicion of eight sexual offences has been released on medical advice.

A Sussex Police spokesman said it was their intention to interview him at a later date.

The offences were allegedly committed against eight boys and young men, all of whom were at time in their late teens or early twenties, except one who was 12.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We will continue pursue allegations of sexual offending robustly,” said a Sussex Police spokesman.

“Investigations must always include proper regard for the health and welfare of suspects, as well as for that of victims, and we also comply with the requirements of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act in relation to the treatment of people under arrest.”

A 67-year-old man arrested on the same morning at his home near Haywards Heath on suspicion of two separate sexual offences against two boys aged 17 and 18 between 1981 and 1983, was interviewed in Sussex and released on police bail until Thursday, November 29, while enquiries continue.

The arrests result from a review and subsequent investigation over the past six months by a team of Sussex Police detectives.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The investigation followed receipt by Sussex Police of two reports from a Church of England safeguarding consultant containing reviews of Church files relating to the safeguarding of young people in the Chichester Diocese during the 1980s and early 1990s.