A VICAR has been charged with offences of possessing indecent images.

Peter Low, 64, of Crescent Road, Heybridge, has been charged with three counts of possession of indecent images of children and one count of possession of a prohibited image of a child. The charges relate to images downloaded from the internet.

Low, who was vicar of Heybridge St Andrew & St George and Langford St Giles from 2008 until last July, has been bailed to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on March 1.

A spokesman for the Diocese of Chelmsford, where he had been working, said it was taking the investigation "extremely seriously".

He said: "Mr Low was suspended from all his duties as a vicar by the Bishop of Chelmsford immediately the Bishop was informed of the investigation, and he remains suspended.

"The Diocese strives to uphold the highest standards in safeguarding policy, training, practice and disciplinary action. The online abuse of children destroys childhoods and devastates society. It is not tolerated by the Church. Mr Low will face a Church investigation under the Clergy Discipline Measure once the criminal case has been concluded.

"We are offering pastoral support and are keeping all those affected by the situation in our prayers.​​"

Anyone with information should contact Detective Sergeant Trudi Arnold at Chelmsford CID on 101.