A SUSPENDED vicar remains under police investigation over indecent assault claims...more than two years after his arrest.

The Rev Canon David Tudor was based at St Nicholas Church, Canvey, prior to his arrest in April 2019 over an alleged offence dating back to the 1980s.

Surrey Police, leading the investigation, say he continues to assist officers.

The Bishop of Chelmsford suspended Mr Tudor following his arrest. He was interviewed by police and released under investigation.

However, 27 months later there is still no update on the investigation.

Ray Howard, a former Canvey Conservative councillor, said the situation was “a disgrace”.

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He said: “He’s got a large following on Canvey.

“For that poor man and family to go all this time and continue day in and day out, it can’t be the right system.

“I’m very, very disappointed. David was a hard worker. It’s just not fair. Either charge him or stop the case so he can come back and do the community work.”

A spokesman from the Diocese of Chelmsford said: “David Tudor remains suspended from his role as team rector of the parish of Canvey as he is the subject of an ongoing police investigation.

“We are unable to comment further at this stage.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this case.”

A spokesman for Surrey Police said: “There are a number of protracted enquiries to be carried out – the investigation is therefore still ongoing.”

In 2008, Mr Tudor was appointed area Dean of Hadleigh, covering a patch from Canvey through Castle Point to Leigh, Westcliff and St Laurence’s parish in Eastwood.