Police are investigating following the sudden resignation of a vicar.

The Bishop of Horsham, the Right Reverend Lindsay Urwin, declined to reveal why Father Robert Marsh had left so abruptly and has advised churchwardens not to comment.

Fr Marsh was vicar of St Richard's Church, Maybridge, Worthing, for just over two years and lived at the vicarage in The Boulevard.

Parishioners said they did not know why Mr Marsh had quit without warning.

A police spokes-man said: "There is an investigation and it hasn't yet been concluded."

The Rev David Guest, Diocese of Chichester communications officer, said: "I can confirm that the Bishop of Horsham accepted Robert Marsh's resignation at the end of May and the diocese has no further comment to make."

There was no answer at the vicarage at the weekend and Mr Guest said he did not know where Fr Marsh was.

Mr Guest added: "I certainly don't know any more."

Churchwarden Dorothy Knowles said: "He has resigned from the parish for personal and health reasons."

Asked why, she said: "I am not at liberty to say. If you want any further information you had better get on to the Bishop."

Churchwarden Jim Jacks said: "I don't know why he resigned. Fr Marsh left in May for personal reasons. No one has been appointed to take his place but church services are being held as normal by visiting clergy."

People living near to the church said since Fr Marsh had left fewer people seemed to attend.

One woman said: "It is unusually quiet. Normally it is a very busy church."