A Caldey Island monk repeatedly sexually abused children, according to an investigation by the Guardian newspaper.

The abuse by Father Thaddeus Kotik is said to have taken place over several decades. He has since died.

Dyfed-Powys Police has confirmed it received reports of historical sexual abuse perpetrated by a monk on Caldey Island in the 1970s and 1980s.

The Guardian reported that Caldey Abbey has paid compensation to six women who were abused as children.

They said the Abbey knew of the claims against Kotik but failed to act.

The newspaper has seen court documents which state Kotik offended against the six girls between 1972 and1987.

The women believe there may be many more victims.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesman said: "We can confirm that in 2014 and 2016 we received reports of non-recent sexual abuse that occurred at Caldey Island with the named offender being the deceased Thaddeus Kotik.

"These reports were recorded as crimes and victims contacted by police.

"During the investigation, information was obtained to confirm that the perpetrator was deceased and therefore a prosecution was not possible.

Appropriate professional support was offered and the matter was drawn to a close.

"Dyfed-Powys Police always encourages anyone who has suffered abuse to come forward and report it by calling 101."