Church leaders have apologised after finding safeguarding allegations against a former Cathedral choir master to be “credible”.

The Diocese of Canterbury says it is “saddened and ashamed” after investigating historic claims made by four individuals against Revd David Marriot, who died in 1995.

The alleged offences were carried out during his time as headmaster at the Canterbury Cathedral Choir School in the 1960s, and later while parish priest in the Benefice of Wye and Brook, at St Gregory and St Martin Church, in Wye, near Ashford.

Following an investigation, the diocese considers the allegations to be “credible on the balance of probability” and has apologised “unreservedly to the survivors and victims”.

In a statement, The Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover, and The Very Reverend Dr David Monteith, Dean of Canterbury, said: “A number of separate non-recent allegations of a serious safeguarding nature have been made against Revd David Marriott.

“Having made significant inquiries, we consider these allegations to be credible on the balance of probability. We are saddened and ashamed that this has happened at the Cathedral and diocese with our duty of care and responsibility to those in our charge.”

“As representatives of the Cathedral and diocese, we apologise unreservedly to the survivors and victims, those who have come forward, all those in their cohort at the time, and to all others affected.

“We acknowledge the wrong and the harm experienced by the survivors and victims, and the ongoing impact this has had on survivors. We are truly sorry.”

The statement adds the case has been referred to the diocese’s safeguarding advisory panel to consider if a full review is needed.

A plaque commemorating Revd Marriott was placed in St Gregory and St Martin Church following his death in an accident in Cyprus, aged 66, but will now be taken down.

The statement continued: “A specific complaint was also made regarding a plaque in memory of David Marriott at Wye Church.

“This complaint and the concerns of the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer and Archdeacon were brought to the Parochial Church Council (PCC).

“Following a meeting on July 15, the PCC resolved to support an application to remove the plaque.

“The relatives of David Marriott were also informed of the allegations, and offered support.

“We thank those who bravely came forward to report their experiences.

“If there is anyone else who has any experiences or information they would like to tell us about, we welcome this and will provide support.

“Today, the Cathedral and diocese have robust safeguarding measures in place to protect children and vulnerable adults.”

It is not clear how many victims there were, but the diocese says four people came forward between November 2013 and May this year.

Police were informed but as Revd Marriott is dead, no further action has been taken, a spokesman for the diocese said.

Further details about the nature of the claims have not been disclosed.

The Cathedral and Diocesan safeguarding teams’ details can be found here.