Stockport vicar arrested over alleged rape of teenager

The allegations relate to a girl when she was aged between 16 and 19

The vicar of a church in Greater Manchester has been arrested on suspicion of raping a teenage girl.

Simon Marsh, 54, is the vicar at St Michael and All Angels Church of England church, Bramhall, in Stockport.

The alleged offences happened between 2011 and 2013 when the alleged victim was aged between 16 and 19, Greater Manchester Police said.

Officers added that the Reverend Marsh had been released on bail pending further inquiries.

The Diocese of Chester confirmed Reverend Marsh had been suspended from his duties while the investigation took place and that parishioners would be officially informed on Sunday.

A spokesman for the church said services would go ahead as planned with another priest.