A PRIEST has been removed from his parish while police investigate allegations of historic sex abuse.

A complaint was made to the Diocese of Motherwell about Father Richard Rodgers, priest at St Mary's church in Cleland, North Lanarkshire.

It was passed to police earlier this month and the diocese said the 79-year-old "will not be in active parish ministry for an unspecified period of time".

He is said to have agreed to the suspension and priests from nearby churches will look after St Mary's.

Fr Rodgers has moved out of the parish house while the allegations are investigated.

A spokesman for the Diocese of Motherwell said: "Following a complaint received by the Diocese of Motherwell and passed to Police Scotland, Fr Richard Rodgers, Parish Priest of St Mary's, Cleland, will not be in active Parish ministry for an unspecified period of time.

"Fr Rodgers has agreed to this and will not be living in the parish house or undertaking any public ministry.

The Bishop of Motherwell, Joseph Toal, and a local priest led masses at St Mary's on the weekend of March 7 and 8, and priests from St Brigid's in Newmains, and the Holy Ghost Fathers from Carfin, are to act as administrators of St Mary's while the investigation continues.

The statement added: "While the Diocese of Motherwell await the outcome of the police investigation, no further statements will be made."

Police Scotland said it is investigating the case.

A spokesman said: "We can confirm that we have received a report in connection with alleged historical sexual abuse and the matter is currently being investigated."