A Church of England bishop resigned on Thursday after what he called a "trial by media" over allegations of sexual assault which he has denied, but which have deepened a crisis at the mother church of the Anglican Communion.

One woman accused the Rt Rev Dr John Perumbalath of kissing her without consent and groping her and another woman accused him of sexual harassment.

Bishop John Perumbalath is originally from Kerala. In 1994, he was ordained into the Church of North India. The clergyman moved to the UK in 2001.

The Bishop of Liverpool has stood down after allegations of sexual assault and harassment were made against him. The Right Reverend Dr John Perumbalath said he did not want to be a "distraction" after claims made by two women were outlined in a Channel 4 News investigation.

Bishop Perumbalath announced he was stepping down earlier following allegations outlined in a Channel 4 News programme. He said he "consistently denied" any wrongdoing but was resigning to avoid becoming a "distraction".

The Bishop of Liverpool has resigned over a series of sex harassment claims. The Rt Rev John Perumbalath sent a letter to clergy in his diocese to tell them he will be formally stepping down from his post,