Rev Paul Battersby, 58, the vicar at St Ambrose Church of England on Moss Lane, is currently on police bail after he was arrested on suspicion of taking/making indecent photos/pseudo-photos of children.

He has been ordered by the church to temporarily leave the position he has held since July 2003.

The Diocese of Blackburn refused to disclose exactly why the computer had been seized but the Evening Post understands that police are investigating images found on it.

The diocese said further statements would be made once the investigations were completed.

A spokesman said: "The Bishop of Blackburn, the right Rev Nicholas Reade, has suspended the vicar of St Ambrose, Leyland, following allegations.

"Such suspensions in the Church of England are neutral acts while matters are investigated further."

Police confirmed he was arrested on May 1.

A spokesman for Lancashire Constabulary said: "We seized his computer and we are investigating."

News of Rev Battersby's suspension has sent shockwaves through the community.

One elderly parishioner said: "We realised something was wrong when he didn't turn up to his normal Thursday coffee morning," she said. "We were then told that he'd been suspended but that we couldn't contact him or call on him. We're allowed to send cards of support but that's it. "

One near-neighbour said: "There have been a lot of rumours floating around about the reverend but nobody really knows what has gone on. All I know is that he was a really friendly guy - this whole thing has come as a complete surprise. He was very approachable."

In the meantime the parish will receive pastoral care from the church and services will continue.

Rev Battersby has led the way with plans to build a community centre at the Church. The 'Halls for All appeal was set up in November 2005 and has so far raised £330,000 towards its £750,000 target.

This project is designed to provide local community groups with better facilities by replacing an old building on site with a new purpose-built centre, boasting conference facilities, meeting rooms and extra car parking, doubling the church size.

Rev Battersby has been the project's finance executive. It is not known if he will continue in this role.

A qualified teacher, Rev Battersby taught chemistry in Liverpool before training for the Church in 1971.

He has been a youth officer in the Lakes, a school chaplain in Argentina and was the National Youth Officer for seven years for the Church of England.

Before coming to Leyland, Rev Battersby was in charge of the church's community projects in Lancashire as the Diocesan Social Responsibility Officer.