A priest has been charged 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 58, was arrested outside a hotel in Derry city centre on Thursday.
In a statement this evening, the PSNI said: “Police in Derry have charged a 58-year-old man with attempted sexual communication with a child.
“He is due to appear before a special sitting of Derry Magistrates’ Court tomorrow, Saturday 19th April, sitting at Dungannon Magistrates’ Court.
“As is usual procedure, the charge will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.”
Confirming an investigation was underway on Thursday, the PSNI said: “A 58-year-old man was arrested on 17th April, on suspicion of attempted sexual communication with a child.”
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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