Former Harlow Priest Arrested in Connection with Child Abuse Investigation

Harlow Star
February 7, 2013

http://www.harlowstar.co.uk/News/Harlow-news/Former-Harlow-priest-arrested-in-connection-with-child-abuse-investigation-07022013.htm

Father Tony McSweeney

A FORMER Harlow Catholic priest has been arrested in connection with child abuse allegations dating back to the early 1980s.

Father Tony McSweeney, who now lives in Norfolk, was priest of the Holy Cross & St Luke's parish between 1993 and 1997.

Officers from Metropolitan Police arrested the 66-year-old yesterday morning (Wednesday, February 6) on suspicion of committing sexual offences at a London guest house almost 30 years ago.

Commander Peter Spindler, head of the Met's Specialist Crime Investigations, said: “This is a complex multi-agency investigation supported by the NSPCC, CEOP and Richmond Social Services involving non-recent allegations of sexual assault against children.

“It is vital that anyone who has been affected by or has information about activity in the early 1980s at the Elm Guest House or the Grafton Close care home in Barnes speaks to the NCPCC on their helpline on 0808 800 5000 or their local police.”

McSweeney has been released on bail until April pending further inquiries.

Father Mark Hackeson, of the Diocese of East Anglia, said: "The church diocese takes safeguarding of children very seriously and so we will be co-operating fully in any way with the police investigation."