DETECTIVES investigating allegations of sexual offences against a former Bishop have said a further seven people have come forward claiming they were abused.

The Rt Rev Peter Ball, 80, of Aller, near Langport, was arrested on Tuesday (November 13) morning in connection with allegations concerning eight boys and young men.

He was later released on grounds of ill-health before being interviewed but police say it is their intention to attempt to interview him at a later date.

However, since the arrest of Bishop Ball, a further seven people have come forward alleging that sexual offences were committed against them.

A number of other people have also come forward over the past 48 hours, offering other potentially useful information although not alleging offences against them, police confirmed.

The alleged victims range in age from 12 to their early 20s. The assaults are said to have taken place at addresses in East Sussex and elsewhere in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Detective Ch Insp Carwyn Hughes of Sussex Police, who is leading the investigation, said: "We are very interested to see that so many people have contacted us since Tuesday, and every report is being followed up.

"Anyone else who wishes to contact us is encouraged to do so by calling Sussex Police via 101 and quoting Operation Dunhill."