Bishop of Liverpool John Perumbalath resigns after sexual assault ...

Bishop Perumbalath said it had become clear that stepping aside and waiting for further reviews would mean "a long period of uncertainty" for the diocese.

The precise date when his role would formally end was not yet determined, he said, adding: "But I step back from my ministry today.

"This means I will not be ministering in or leading the diocese with immediate effect."

His resignation comes after a group of church leaders announced they had written to the Archbishop of York calling for the bishop to step aside.

They said the allegations should be "fully and properly" investigated and the Church of England's own inquiries had fallen short.

The letter was signed by clergy including Sue Jones, Dean of Liverpool, Pete Spiers, Archdeacon of Knowsley & Sefton and Miranda Threlfall-Holmes, Archdeacon of Liverpool.

They wrote: "Having listened to clergy, congregations and staff at the diocesan offices and the cathedral it is with deep regret that the senior leadership of the Diocese of Liverpool feel the position of the Rt Revd Dr John Perumbalath is currently untenable."