Anglican priest, family questioned in Britain over suspicious death of newborn boy

Police attend the scene at the vicarage in Freckleton, England, after reports emerged Thursday Dec. 4, 2014, that the vicar named locally as Rev Jim Percival was arrested earlier this week and that his wife and daughter are being questioned over the suspicious death of a baby boy. Police were called to investigate a report that a woman had given birth to a stillborn baby, resulting in a vicar, his wife and his daughter being questioned in connection with suspicion of murder and conspiracy to conceal the birth of a child. (AP Photo / Joel Goodman, PA) UNITED KINGDOM OUT - NO SALES - NO ARCHIVES (The Associated Press)

LONDON – British police are questioning an Anglican priest, his wife and daughter about a newborn boy's death.

A spokesman for the Diocese of Blackburn in northwestern England said Thursday the diocese is "aware of the situation regarding Rev. Jim Percival and his family" and is offering "pastoral support" to the community.

The spokesman, who asked not to be identified because of church policy, says the diocese is cooperating with police.

Lancashire Police said Thursday two people are being questioned on suspicion of murder and conspiracy to conceal the birth of a child and a third has been arrested on the conspiracy charge. They are in custody.

Police said they were called after reports that a baby had been born stillborn and are now treating the death as suspicious. Tests are underway.