Roy Griffiths, 81, of Dorset, has been charged with eight sexual offences under Lincolnshire Police's Operation Redstone investigation

The charges date back to the 1950s and are alleged to have occurred in Lincoln.

Lincolnshire Police confirmed that 81-year-old Roy Griffiths, of Dorset, was charged with six counts of indecent assault on a boy under the age of 14 and two counts of inciting a boy under the age of 14 to commit an act of gross indecency.

He has been bailed to appear at Lincoln District Magistrates Court on Thursday 8 June.

The charges come as part of Operation Redstone, an ongoing enquiry into allegations of abuse dating back to 1958 following a review of past safeguarding cases by the Diocese of Lincoln.

As part of this investigation officers are working in partnership with the Diocese and the Cathedral and are keen to hear from anyone who might have information that could assist the enquiry.

Detective Superintendent Rick Hatton, of Lincolnshire Police, said: “Our investigation into historic abuse is very much ongoing. The enquiries centre around the former Cathedral School and cover a period of 1963 to 1970. We are keen to speak to former pupils who may have attended the school during that time. We are still reaching out to people who we think may be able to help us – both potential victims and any potential witnesses.

“It takes tremendous courage to talk about any sort of abuse but we want anyone who may have been affected to know how seriously we take all the information you give us. It may be that something happened to you personally, or perhaps you were a witness to something that you haven’t yet told anyone about – please be assured that our officers are here to listen and help, and will treat you and the information you give us in the utmost confidence.”

A spokesperson for Lincoln Cathedral said: "The Cathedral has throughout Operation Redstone worked proactively in partnership with Lincolnshire police and stands ready to offer support to anyone who contacts them about issues of harm and abuse. The Cathedral can promise that they will listen attentively to their experiences, walk alongside them in seeking justice and ensure that their voices are heard."

If you would like to talk to the enquiry team please contact Lincolnshire Police on 101 quoting incident 208 of the 26 April or ask for Operation Redstone during working hours.