A British bishop has announced his retirement days after he was accused of sexual assault and harassment. Channel 4 News reported on Tuesday that John Perumbalath, the Bishop of Liverpool, was accused of sexually assaulting a woman and harassing a fellow bishop.

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.

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.

The bishop of Liverpool, John Perumbalath, has denied a set of sexual assault allegations by two different women including a fellow church leader, according to multiple reports.