A priest has been arrested in Derry on suspicion of attempted sexual communication with a child.
He was detained after videos circulated on social media of a man in clerical clothing being challenged by self-styled paedophile hunters called ‘Spartan’.
The man, aged in his 50s, was arrested outside a hotel in Derry city centre.
Confirming an investigation was underway, the PSNI said the suspect remains in custody for questioning.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “A 58-year-old man was arrested on Thursday, 17th April, on suspicion of attempted sexual communication with a child.
“He remains in police custody at this time.
“There are no further details.”
A spokesperson for the Catholic Church’s Diocese of Derry said: “The Diocese of Derry is aware of an incident outside a hotel in Derry city involving a priest of this diocese.
“The diocese knows that a video of the incident has been posted online and we understand the PSNI have been involved.
“Currently, the diocese has no further information.”
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