Simon Sayers: Priest Arrested on Suspicion of Indecent Assault Suspended from Duties at Two Village Churches

By Ben Mitchell
Mirror
January 26, 2015

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/simon-sayers-priest-arrested-suspicion-5047552

Parish rector Simon Sayers has been suspended after police started to investigate an allegation made against him.

A Church of England priest has been suspended from his duties at churches in two sleepy villages after being arrested on suspicion of indecent assault.

Rector, Rev Simon Sayers had been suspended from his position as cops investigate an allegation dating back to the early 90s.

Parishioners at St James CoE Church in Emsworth, Hampshire, and St Thomas a Beckett Church in Warblington were informed of the decision by the Bishop of Portsmouth, the Rt Rev Christopher Foster before services yesterday morning.

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

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

Suspension: Thomas a Beckett Church in Warblington

"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."

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, the rector of St James Church, Emsworth, and St Thomas a Becket, Warblington.

"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."