Catholic Church in UK Comes under Probe for Sex Abuse Scandal

Press TV IRAN
April 14, 2013

http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2013/04/14/298136/church/


British police are investigating a widespread child abuse cover-up in the Catholic Church in the UK with a bishop under probe, local media reported.

The Metropolitan Police has set up the so-called Operation Fernbridge to look into historical cases of paedophilia in Britain.

The detectives are examining claims that the prelate protected priests who were sexually abusing youngsters, the Sunday People has revealed.

The paper said other areas of the Catholic church are also under investigation to find if there has been a large-scale cover-up of paedophilia.

The dramatic new move comes after the Jimmy Savile sex abuse scandal triggered massive probes into allegations of offences by celebrities and politicians.

The Vatican has been rocked by major inquiries into claims of abuse in Ireland, the US, Belgium, Holland and Switzerland.

And now, it’s UK turn to come under such investigation for the first time, although there have previously been isolated cases at individual churches or schools.

Operation Fernbridge is looking into allegations boys in care in Richmond, south-west London, were sexually abused between 1977 and 1983 - initially at Grafton Close children’s home and then at Elm Guest House in nearby Barnes.