British former Catholic priest arrested in Kosovo over child abuse allegations

Former priest Laurence Soper has been arrested in Kosovo. Metropolitan Police

A British former Roman Catholic priest has been arrested in Kosovo over child sex abuse allegations.

Laurence Soper allegedly committed the offences at St Benedict's School in Ealing, where he was a teacher in the 1970s and 1980s.

After teaching at the school he became abbot of Ealing Abbey.

Soper was arrested in 2010 when a man in his 40s came forward with an allegation of sexual assault at the school, which was also attended by actor Andy Serkis and comedian Julian Clary. He was bailed but did not return to a London police station in March 2011. A European Arrest Warrant was issued for him in 2012.

After evading police for five years he was arrested in Peja, in the west of Kosovo. Now in his mid-70s, Soper had lived in the country under the name of 'Andrew'. An official told the BBC an extradition process was under way.

Police in London said: "The Metropolitan Police is aware of an arrest and is currently in liaison with the relevant authorities."

A Foreign Office spokesman told the Press Association: "Our embassy is providing assistance following the arrest of a British national in Peja, Kosovo, on Wednesday 11 May."

Kosovo saw fierce fighting in the Balkan wars of the 1990s. Its independence has not been recognised by Serbia and it still suffers from high unemployment and low income.

related articles
Catholic diocese counters claims that whistleblower priest was \'frozen out\'
Catholic diocese counters claims that whistleblower priest was 'frozen out'

Catholic diocese counters claims that whistleblower priest was 'frozen out'

British campaigner refuses to step down from Vatican sex abuse commission
British campaigner refuses to step down from Vatican sex abuse commission

British campaigner refuses to step down from Vatican sex abuse commission

Vatican cardinal denies attempts to cover up child sex abuse
Vatican cardinal denies attempts to cover up child sex abuse

Vatican cardinal denies attempts to cover up child sex abuse

Sex abuse public inquiry begins investigation into Church of England
Sex abuse public inquiry begins investigation into Church of England

Sex abuse public inquiry begins investigation into Church of England

News
Conservatives urge incoming Archbishop to drop £100m slavery reparations
Conservatives urge incoming Archbishop to drop £100m slavery reparations

Should church funds be used for slavery reparations? A group of Conservative MPs and peers think not.

What if the Good Shepherd is closer than you think?
What if the Good Shepherd is closer than you think?

Pastoral care is not a task reserved for a handful of gifted individuals; it is the life of Christ, quietly at work inside ordinary believers.

Anglican Mainstream sees monthly growth despite web hosting suspension
Anglican Mainstream sees monthly growth despite web hosting suspension

Conservative Christian website, Anglican Mainstream, was surprised to see visitor numbers rise after being forced to relocate its website hosting after GoDaddy closed its account.

Missionary turned soldier in Ukraine balances faith with harsh frontline realities
Missionary turned soldier in Ukraine balances faith with harsh frontline realities

A former missionary who is now serving as a soldier in the Ukrainian army has spoken about the realities of faith for a man tasked with killing in defence of his country.