THREE more women have come forward to claim they were sexually abused by a Caldey Island monk in the 1970s and 80s.

The fresh claims follow the disclosure in the Guardian newspaper last week that six women had brought a civil claim against the Cistercian order on the island off Tenby, alleging they had suffered abuse at the hands of Father Thaddeus Kotik,who died in 1992.

The women have told the newspaper of their abuse.

Today (Thursday), Dyfed-Powys police said that after the news of the abuse was revealed, "two further reports of non-recent sexual abuse" naming Kotik were received on November 21.

A police spokesman added: "These crimes have been recorded and officers are in contact with the victims during the investigation and to offer specialist support."

One of the original victims has also reported a sexual assault by another male at Caldey Island around the same time frame.

The police spokesman continued: "This is being investigated separately to the Caldey Island abuse and concerns a man who was visiting Caldey Island at the time and no longer lives there.

"No further information can be released at present, as it would jeopardise the investigation.

"Dyfed-Powys police continues to work with safeguarding partners and the Abbey at Caldey Island to ensure appropriate safeguarding measures are in place to prevent children from suffering abuse or coming to any harm."

Detective Superintendent Anthony Griffiths said: "We have specially-trained officers at Dyfed-Powys police to investigate and support victims of non-recent abuse.

"If there are more victims out there who wish to report, please do so by calling the police directly. We cannot formally record complaints or offer support to victims based on reports via the media. They can do so by calling 101.

"I would say the same to anyone who has suffered abuse in the past, or is suffering today, that if they find the courage to report it, we will take it seriously and we will offer the support they require."