A CANVEY vicar remains suspended from his role as church bosses carry out an investigation despite police dropping a probe into indecent assault allegations.

David Tudor was suspended as rector of the Parish of Canvey in 2019, and remains suspended due to an internal investigation, the Diocese of Chelmsford has confirmed.

Community leaders now believe it is unlikely he will return to his role of Rector at St Nicholas Church on the island.

Mr Tudor was arrested in April 2019 on suspicion of indecent assault, but the investigation was dropped in August this year.

Ray Howard MBE, a former Canvey councillor, said: “I was hoping he would come back to the church but now I am wondered if he will ever come back at all.

“He’s got a huge following on Canvey and I think it’s quite unique.

He’s got a way about him and there’s probably not another priest in the area like it.

“I do believe people can and do have confidence in him and the congregation often asks when he’s coming back.”

Mr Tudor has been Rector of St Nicholas Church since 2006 and it was alleged the offence took place in the Eighties.

Mr Tudor was convicted of having sex with young girls in 1988 but then he had the convictions overturned on appeal and was freed from jail.

Dave Blackwell, Canvey Independent leader of Castle Point Council said: “The community expected to see him back leading the church but I don’t think it will happen now.

“The church used to be empty and when he took over he filled it each week. I do believe people can have confidence in him. I think people are very disappointed and do not understand why he’s still suspended.”

A spokesperson for the Diocese of Chelmsford said: “David Tudor remains suspended from his role as Team Rector of the Parish of Canvey while he continues to be subject to investigation under the Clergy Discipline Measure. We continue to work closely with the relevant statutory authorities and our thoughts and prayers are with those affected”.