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Hampshire priest investigated over indecent assault claims

The rector of a village church has been suspended while he is investigated by police over an historic allegation of indecent assault

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Hampshire priest suspended amid indecent assault claims

The Rev Simon Sayers has been suspended Credit: ITV Meridian

The rector of a village church has been suspended while he is being investigated by police over an allegation of indecent assault dating back to the early 1990s.

Parishioners at St James CoE Church in Emsworth, Hampshire, and St Thomas a Beckett Church in Warblington were informed by the Bishop of Portsmouth, the Rt Rev Christopher Foster before services on Sunday morning that the Rev Simon Sayers had been suspended from his position.

St Thomas a Becket Church in Warblington Credit: ITV Meridian

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said that the alleged offence took place in the Islington area of London.

"Detectives from the Met's Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command are investigating allegations of non-recent indecent assault.

"The offences are alleged to have taken place in the Islington area during the early 90s.

"A 55-year-old man was arrested on 23 January and has been bailed to return, pending further Inquiries, on a date in early April. Inquiries continue."

– Metropolitan Police spokesman

A spokesman for the Diocese of Portsmouth said: "We are aware of an ongoing police investigation into a serious allegation made against the Rev Simon Sayers.

"Because the investigation is ongoing, we can make no further comment at the moment. The bishop has suspended the Rev Simon Sayers while the investigation takes place, and is making alternative arrangements for ministry in the parish. Our prayers are with all of those involved in this difficult situation."

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