A VICAR has been suspended while police carry out an investigation into an alleged sexual assault.

The Rev Canon David Tudor has not been charged with any offences and the suspension, by the Bishop of Chelmsford, is a neutral act while the police investigation continues.

The 63-year-old, of Canvey, Essex, is currently helping Surrey Police following claims reported to them.

The allegation relates to reports dating back to the 1980s.

A spokesman for the Diocese of Chelmsford said: “We can confirm that the Bishop of Chelmsford has suspended David Tudor as he is the subject of a police investigation.

“We cannot say anymore at this stage.”

A spokesman for Surrey Police said: “A 63-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of indecent assault last Wednesday, April 17.

“The man, who now lives in Canvey, Essex, was interviewed and has been released under investigation.

“His arrest is in relation to an allegation of historic offences in Redhill in 1982.

“The investigation remains ongoing.”

Mr Tudor, who was based at St Nicholas Church on Canvey, was appointed as Rector of Canvey in 2006.

In 2008, he was appointed area Dean of Hadleigh, covering a patch from Canvey through Castle Point to Leigh, Westcliff and St Laurence’s parish in Eastwood.

The popular vicar, who is now married with three children, was unavailable for comment.