Six-month investigation led to arrests

The arrest of a retired Bishop and a retired priest are the result of a review and six-month investigation by detectives.

In May, Sussex Police received two reports from Lambeth Palace from a Church of England safeguarding consultant, with reviews of Church files on safeguarding young people.

They also received the files themselves. Sussex Police said the investigation was into offences that had not previously been reported. They are trying to trace witnesses and are working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service.

There are no allegations of recent or current offending and police said no young people are currently at risk. Police have stressed that the allegations are being treated separately and do not involve the two men allegedly acting together.