麻豆约拍

An independent investigation commissioned by the Methodist Church says it has uncovered allegations of physical and sexual abuse committed by almost 2,000 of its ministers, employees, members and volunteers.

The claims span the past 60 years and have triggered six new police investigations.

Reverend Gareth Powell from the Methodist Church told the Victoria Derbyshire programme that the church was "deeply ashamed" but admitted there could be other cases of abuse that have gone undetected.

He added: "No institution is ever going to be absolutely clear that it has listened to and heard every single case... but we want to reform our culture."