The Most Rev Justin Welby “knew nothing” about the Church of England’s most prolific abuser and has been used as a scapegoat in the scandal, according to John Smyth’s son-in-law.

The Archbishop of Canterbury has announced he will step down from his role following a damning report into a prolific child abuser associated with the Church of England. The review found that Justin Welby, 68, "could and should" have reported John Smyth's abuse of boys and young men to police in 2013.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the head of the Church of England, has resigned amid the fallout from a long-running abuse scandal.