UK: Retired Bishop Arrested in Sex Abuse Probe

November 15, 2012

Police have arrested a retired Church of England bishop and a retired priest in an investigation of alleged child sex abuse in the diocese of Chichester.

Britain’s Press Association said 80-year-old retired bishop Peter Ball was arrested at his home on suspicion of eight offenses with boys and young men in the 1980s and 1990s. Police would not identify the suspect, but when asked about Ball, police said the force arrested an 80-year-old at his home on suspicion of sex offenses.

He was later released at his home “on medical advice” and police said they intend to interview him at a later date.

British police do not generally identify suspects under arrest by name until they are charged.

Police confirmed that a 67-year-old priest also was arrested on suspicion of abuses in 1981 and 1983. He was not identified, but police later said he had been released on bail while inquiries continue.

The bishop of Chichester, Martin Warner, said the church had cooperated with the investigation.