Police approach BBC in cardinal inquiry

Murphy-O'Connor became a cardinal last year

The police have asked the BBC to provide details of documents relating to an investigation into the head of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales.

Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, the archbishop of Westminster, is currently the subject of a police inquiry over claims that he covered up the activities of a paedophile priest.

A member of the public made a complaint to the police following an investigation by the BBC Radio 4's Today programme two years ago.

We've responded already to the police request for information regarding documents we've seen

Angus Stickler
Today reporter

The BBC are co-operating with police after being asked for 25 letters sent between the cardinal, the priest and health professionals.

The allegations relate to the 1980s, when Cardinal Murphy-O'Connor was the Bishop of Brighton and Arundel.

A priest was allegedly transferred from the area when accusations about his child abuse emerged.

He was later convicted of offences over a 20-year period.

Parents say they had told the church about the abuse but the police were not informed.

'Trial possible'

Angus Stickler, the Today reporter who carried out the original investigation, said: "We've responded already to the police request for information regarding documents we've seen.

"Now it's up to the CPS and the police to decide if there's enough evidence to press charges, if any offence has been committed."

A statement released on behalf of the cardinal said: "Before the appearance of media reports this weekend, Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor had no knowledge of any formal inquiry concerning moves 20 years ago of a former priest within the diocese of Arundel.

Murphy-O'Connor found out in the media

"This inquiry is apparently in response to complaints made by a particular individual.

"The police have never contacted the cardinal in this or any other connection."

Mark Morley, a spokesman for the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales, said the church would fully co-operate if contacted by the police.

Archbishop Murphy-O'Connor, 70, is the spiritual leader in England and Wales for more than four million Catholics.

He was made a cardinal by the Pope in February 2001.