Investigation launched into reports of historic sexual abuse

Detectives are investigating reports of historic sexual abuse.

The investigation relates to the indecent assault and sexual abuse of three women during their time as schoolgirls at St Vincent's Primary School in Norden, Rochdale.

Police are investigating complaints from three women, now aged 41, 35 and 21, but who were aged between 8 and 10, when the offences happened between 1980 and 2000.

The offences did not occur within the school but at an adjacent presbytery.

As part of the investigation Canon Mortimer Stanley, 82, who retired in 2002 from St Vincent de Paul RC Church in Norden, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, has been interviewed by police under caution.

Canon Stanley, who joined the church as parish priest in 1972, retired to his native Ireland in 2002.

Detective Constable Christian Chivers, from Greater Manchester Police's Public Protection Investigation Unit, said: "I want to reassure local residents, and more importantly parents of children currently at St Vincent's, that these are historical incidents.

"While we do not believe there is any reason for current pupils or their families to be unduly concerned, this is extremely serious and upsetting for the victims in this case, who we are continuing to provide specialist support to.

"The safeguarding of pupils is without doubt a top priority for us, the school and Salford Diocese and we are working together as part of this investigation.

"As part of this investigation I am appealing to former pupils who may have information about the offences under investigation or who may want to speak to us about similar matters to come forward.

"I want to reassure anyone who might want to report any incidents or offences that we treat all allegations of sexual abuse extremely seriously and in the strictest confidence and we have officers on hand to deal with your complaints swiftly and sympathetically."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.