Indecency probe cleric found dead

A Cambridge University cleric who was under investigation for indecency has been found dead at his home.

The Reverend Ian Thompson, Dean of Chapel at King's College, died at his house in Great Shelford, Cambridgeshire, on Thursday afternoon.

The clergyman, born in Glasgow, was being investigated for crimes in the Strathclyde area.

Paramedics were called to attend a cardiac arrest. His death is not being treated as suspicious.

A spokeswoman for Strathclyde Police said: "We can confirm a report was sent to Procurator Fiscal on 3 December 2007 in connection with alleged historical indecencies regarding the Reverend Ian Thompson."

An East of England Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: "Paramedics attempted CPR but were unable to resuscitate the man.

"He was pronounced dead at the scene."

The clergyman was involved in the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, broadcast each Christmas Eve, since 2005.

A graduate of the University of Aberdeen, he was a commanding officer in the Salvation Army for many years before being ordained in 1994.