The Diocese of Middlesbrough condemns unreservedly any action which causes harm or distress to others. Abusive behaviour has absolutely no place in the Catholic Church, or anywhere in society, and is against everything we stand for.

It was with great sadness that we learned of the allegations of non-recent abuse at St William’s in Market Weighton.

These offences are historic and relate to individuals who have not been associated with the Diocese for some time, but they are a matter of profound regret, for which we apologise.

As the legal process is ongoing, it is not possible to make any further comment at this stage but we wish to reiterate that the Diocese ensures that the health, safety and wellbeing of every child is paramount and our absolute priority.

We have in place robust safeguarding policies and procedures, overseen by a strong safeguarding team and in line with the comprehensive national safeguarding policies of the Catholic Church, to ensure all our parishioners, particularly children, young people and vulnerable adults, are as safe as possible.