European Warrant For Missing Ealing Priest

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Believed Lawrence Soper may be in Italy after being arrested for abuse

Officers have obtained a European warrant in a bid to trace a former Roman Catholic priest from St Benedict's School who disappeared after being arrested following sex abuse allegations.

In June 2010, a man now in his 40s made a historical allegation of sexual assault relating to his time at the Ealing school.

Officers from the MPS Child Abuse Investigation Team investigated and Lawrence Soper, was arrested in September 2010 on suspicion of historical sexual assault.

Fr Soper, was abbot of Ealing Abbey from 1991 to 2000.

He was subsequently bailed to return to a west London police station in March 2011 pending further enquiries but he failed to appear.

Officers have made extensive enquiries to trace him without success - it's thought he may be in Italy - and a European Arrest Warrant for his arrest has been obtained.

A European Arrest Warrant requires member states of the European Union to arrest and surrender a suspect for prosecution.

Officers are appealing for anyone who may know of his whereabouts to please make contact on 020 8246 1901; if you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

 

2nd September 2012