Police said yesterday that an investigation into allegations of “inappropriate sexual conduct” involving a former pastor at a Hamilton church was ongoing.

New Deputy Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons confirmed: “The matter is under investigation.”

Mr Simons said that it was “not appropriate” to discuss if any criminal complaints had been made to police.

He added that he could not identify which officer was in charge of the investigation.

Commissioner of Police Stephen Corbishley said that he was unable to comment on the probe into the pastor, who worked at the Cornerstone Bible Fellowship on Church Street in Hamilton.

The Bermuda Police Service said more than two years ago that it was “aware of allegations circulating on social media about past inappropriate sexual conduct of a former Cornerstone Bible Fellowship clergy member”.

Police said at the time that no criminal complaints had been made.

A spokesman added: “We would like to remind the public that formal complaints are required by law in order for the police to investigate such allegations.

“Online statements and social media posts do not qualify as formal complaints.

The spokesman concluded: “We appreciate that this is a sensitive subject and that witnesses and victims are sometimes reluctant to come forward.”

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