THE Archbishop of York is setting up an independent inquiry into alleged child sex abuse carried out by a senior church of England clergyman.

The Very Rev Robert Waddington, a former Dean of Manchester Cathedral, who died from cancer in 2007, is said to have groomed and abused a chorister in Manchester in the 1980s, The Times reported.

Former Archbishop of York Lord Hope of Thornes has denied covering up the allegations.

Now his successor, Dr John Sentamu has launched an investigation into the alleged abuse.

A spokesman for the office of the Archbishop said: “The Archbishop of York is in the process of setting up an independent inquiry specifically into the issues surrounding the reports relating to alleged child abuse by the late Robert Waddington.

“When any church related abuse comes to light the Church's first concern must be for the victim offering support and apologising for the abuse, acknowledging that the effects can be lifelong.

"When the Inquiry makes its report the Archbishop will make its findings public. The Church of England continues to review its child protection and safeguarding policies regularly to ensure that the Church is a safe place for all. Child abuse is a heinous and personally damaging crime, it is therefore incumbent on the Church to treat such matters with the utmost seriousness.'