The man, aged in his 50s, was arrested outside a hotel in Londonderry today (stock image)
A priest has been arrested on suspicion of attempted sexual communication with a child.
It comes after videos circulated online of a man in clerical garb being challenged by self-styled paedophile hunters.
The man, aged in his 50s, was arrested outside a hotel in Londonderry today.
He remains in custody, police said.
A spokesperson for the 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.”
News Catchup – Wednesday 16th April
The Catholic Church was contacted for comment. It shared the same statement issued by the diocese.
The PSNI confirmed they were investigating.
A spokesperson said the 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.”
The Diocese of Derry serves the Catholic congregation of 51 parishes across almost all of Co Derry, parts of Co Tyrone and Co Donegal, and a small area across the River Bann in Co Antrim.
