THE Abbot of Ampleforth College has stepped aside from his job and is being investigated for alleged historic sex offences.

York Press:

The Right Rev Cuthbert Madden, pictured above, - the most senior figure at the prestigious Catholic boarding school - has "temporarily stepped aside from his responsibilities", according to a statement by the school, after allegations came to light about what is has termed "historical events".

Meanwhile, North Yorkshire Police have confirmed that they are investigating allegations of indecent assault against four pupils at the school in the 1990s.

A spokesman for the police force said: "The information was reported to the police in August 2016.

"The investigation remains ongoing and a man in his sixties has been interviewed under caution."

York Press:

He added: "The police investigation has also triggered safeguarding measures which have been put in place while the investigation continues."

Fr Madden denies any wrongdoing and is cooperating fully with the authorities as the allegations are investigated, the school's statement says.

The school has added that Fr Madden's stepping aside is in line with established procedures.

The statement added: "This course of action accords fully with established civil and ecclesiastical protocols, and is a neutral action, which will remain in place for the duration of the investigation."

Fr Terence Richardson, the Prior of Ampleforth Abbey, has stepped in to act as the Religious Superior of Ampleforth Abbey while Fr Madden is away from his responsibilities.

Earlier in the summer, North Yorkshire Police said they were co-operating with the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse - which was at the time being led by New Zealand judge Dame Lowell Goddard - and confirmed it was then carrying out two investigations into alleged historic sexual abuse at Ampleforth College, with one man arrested.

In another case, past pupils from the school have recently spoken out as part of an investigation by The Times into the way the court case against Paul Sheppard, 53, was handled.

Dr Sheppard taught at the school in 1989 and was due to stand trial last year, accused of seven charges of indecent assault against five former pupils, but the charges involving all but one of the boys were dropped following rulings by the judge.

He was then found not guilty of indecently assaulting the remaining complainant, but jurors had not been told there had been more than one complainant, or that Dr Sheppard left his job in 1989 following the allegations.