The Bishop of Gloucester has been questioned by police over allegations he indecently assaulted a girl and a woman while he worked at a church in Croydon.

Rt Rev Michael Perham, 66, was interviewed by Metropolitan Police detectives yesterday over the alleged assaults, said to have taken place between 1980 and 1981.

He was curate at St Mary’s Church in Addington Village Road, Addington, from 1976 to 1981. 

Police would not confirm whether the allegations related to the church.

Rt Rev Perham unexpectedly resigned as Bishop of Gloucester on Friday, citing "personal reasons", having been due to retire in November.

The bishop, who is married and has four grown-up children, has not been arrested.

It is understood he spoke to police in a pre-arranged meeting. 

A Scotland Yard spokesman said yesterday: "A 66-year-old man today attended a police station in Gloucestershire by appointment and was interviewed on suspicion of indecent assault of a child aged under 18 and indecent assault of a second female aged over 18.

"He was not arrested. The alleged incidents are said to have occurred between 1980 and 1981 and are being investigated by officers from the Metropolitan Police Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command.

"Inquiries continue."