A Newry, Mourne and Down District Councillor has been arrested on suspicion of attempting to meet a child following potential sexual grooming.
A spokesperson for the PSNI stated on Tuesday evening (22nd February):
“A 59-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming, yesterday (Tuesday 22nd February) in the County Down area.
He has since been released on police bail pending further enquiries. “
According to Belfast Live the Councillor in question is allegedly Councillor William Walker of the DUP who represents Rowallane DEA. Councillor Walker also works in DUP Strangford MP Jim Shannon’s constituency office.
A DUP spokesperson said
“The party has only become aware of these allegations. These matters will be referred to the party officers who will expeditiously examine the issues”
The allegations relate to a story that was first reported by Belfast Live whereby a so called “paedophile hunter” organisation made claims that a Facebook account was used to sexually groom two decoys posing as underage girls.
A series of screen-grabs appearing to show messages sent on both Facebook and WhatsApp have been shared with detectives, it has been claimed.
Newry, Mourne and Down Council said it will “co-operate fully with any investigations as required” after one of its elected representatives was arrested on suspicion of child sexual grooming.
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CLANRYE NEWS 