George Pell in the 1980s. Credit:Simon Corden

Police are investigating multiple allegations of sexual assault alleged to have occurred in Ballarat East between 1976 and 1980, and East Melbourne between 1996 and 2001.

The allegations include the claim that Cardinal Pell touched children's genitals while they swam at a Ballarat public pool.

The cardinal has strongly denied the claims.

In a statement, Cardinal Pell's office said he "repeats his previous rejection of all and every allegation of sexual abuse".