A former organist at Rochester Cathedral has been arrested on suspicion of sexual activity with a child.

Samuel Rathbone, 27, was quizzed about sexual allegations and abuse of a position of trust.

Mr Rathbone, who was responsible for running the girls' choir at the cathedral, has been bailed until the new year.

He is officially on sick leave from his job as assistant director of music, but is not expected to return to his role.

Mr Rathbone, the former assistant director at the cathedral, joined the cathedral in October 2010.

The Dean of Rochester, Very Revd Dr Mark Beach, said Mr Rathbone had resigned from his post in September to pursue other musical opportunities, but was officially on sick leave until his departure date in January.

He began working at the cathedral in October 2010 and had a shared responsibilty for the musical life of the cathedral along with the director of music, Scott Farrell at the historic site.

Dr Beach added: "He resigned in September this year to pursue other musical opportunities, but is currently signed off on sick leave until January 6, but we don't expect him back.

"He was the assistant director of music and shared the responsibility of musical life for the cathedral, he was also in charge of the girls' choir."

A Kent Police spokesman said: "A 27-year-old man from Rochester was arrested on September 27, on suspicion of sexual activity with a child and abuse of a position of trust.

"He has been bailed until January 17, pending further investigation."

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