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European Arrest Warrant issued for west London priest

Police have obtained a European Arrest Warrant for a Catholic cleric accused of historic sex offences who has failed to answer bail.

It is believed Father Laurence Soper may be in Italy and police are appealing for anyone with information to make contact on 020 8246 1901 Credit: Metropolitan Police

They have gained the warrant for Father Laurence Soper, who is wanted over allegations of child abuse dating back to when he taught at St Benedict's School, a private independent Catholic school which is part of Ealing Abbey in west London.

Fr Soper, who was abbot of Ealing Abbey from 1991 to 2000, was believed to have been living in a monastery in Rome, and was due to return to London to answer bail in March last year.

However he failed to show up, sparking a police hunt for him.