Archdeacon arrested in child porn inquiry

A computer taken in for repair is being studied

A senior minister in the Church of England has been arrested in connection with child pornography on the internet.

The Archdeacon of Blackburn, Dr John Marsh, 53, was interviewed by Lancashire police on Thursday after a computer taken in for repair was handed in to police.

Dr Marsh, who is married with two children, was released on bail pending further inquiries.

The archdeacon has been suspended from his post in Lancashire while the inquiry continues.

In a statement issued through the Church of England, the Bishop of Blackburn, Reverend Alan Chesters, said the archdeacon's suspension was in line with national guidelines under the "Safe from Harm" procedures.

He added that he was deeply saddened at news of the investigation, but had no further comment to make.

Detectives in Blackburn said they would not be interviewing Dr Marsh again until thorough investigations of the computer handed to them were complete.

Dr Marsh is the fourth most senior cleric in the Blackburn diocese, helping to oversee the work of more than 250 clergymen.

He worked in parishes in Sheffield, Wakefield and Dewsbury before his appointment in Blackburn in 1996.