A Glasgow priest has been removed from his parish after being charged with alleged sexual offences involving children under the age of 16.

Father Neil McGarrity has been suspended from all his duties at St Thomas Parish in Riddrie in the city's East End while the police investigation into the claims is ongoing.  

The 56-year-old clergyman was also the administrator of St Bernadette’s Parish in nearby Carntyne.

Police Scotland confirmed a man, 56, was arrested and charged in connection with alleged child sex offences. 

The alleged offences span over a number of years, taking place between December 2017 and March 2020. 

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A statement by the church reads: Due to a serious safeguarding concern being raised, the Archdiocese of Glasgow has removed Fr Neil McGarrity, Parish Priest of St Thomas Parish and administrator of St Bernadette’s Parish, from public ministry while inquiries are ongoing.

"The pastoral care of these parishes will be entrusted to another priest until the situation is resolved. The Archdiocese is cooperating fully with Police Scotland in their inquiries.

"It is the clear policy of the Archdiocese that any concerns raised regarding children, young people and vulnerable adults will always be treated with the utmost care and concern.

"The church has a mandatory policy of reporting to the statutory agencies and this procedure has been followed in this case."

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A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "A 56-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with sexual offences involving children under the age of 16 years which happened in Glasgow between December 2017 and March 2020. 

"He was released on undertaking and is expected to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court at a later date."