A 58-year-old Catholic priest has been charged in Derry on suspicion of attempted sexual communication with a child.
The man was targeted by so-called “paedophile hunters” and video footage of them confronting him outside a hotel has been widely shared on social media.
The Catholic Church in Derry said it is aware of the incident.
“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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A PSNI spokesperson on Friday confirmed that the man has since been charged. The priest is due to appear before a special sitting of Derry Magistrates’ Court in Dungannon on Saturday.
“As is usual procedure, the charge will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service,” the PSNI spokesperson said.