The Church of England has formally apologised to three sisters who suffered horrific childhood abuse but were repeatedly “fobbed off” after reporting it to clergy.

Jenny, Wendy and Christina Read say they were abused by their father, a church warden, and a curate in violent rituals at a northeast England church, as reported by The BBC.

A new review found the Church's failure to investigate "compounded the harm", while police admitted they missed key opportunities.

Wendy recalled being raped and forced “to watch when they did the same thing to my sisters".

Former Archbishop Rowan Williams, informed in 2003, now says: “I very much regret that I did not follow up in this way.”

The Church said it is “truly sorry” for its past failings and is committed to rebuilding trust. Police have also issued an unreserved apology.

Christina added: “Too often I've heard 'that was in the past, you need to forget about it.' You can't just forget about it.”