A Catholic priest in Co Down has stepped down from his ministry pending the conclusion of an investigation by the PSNI, it emerged yesterday.
The home of Father John McCallum, parish priest of Kilcoo, Co Down, was visited by the PSNI who removed computers and financial records.
Parishioners were informed of the development by the Most Rev Donal McKeown, Auxiliary Bishop of Down and Connor, during Mass on Saturday evening.
In a statement released over the weekend, the diocese said it would be inappropriate to make any further comment, but said no specific allegations had been made against Father McCallum.
"No allegation or accusation whatsoever, whether regarding financial impropriety or any other issue, has been made against Father McCallum," the statement said.
"Bishop McKeown has informed the parishioners of the position at the vigil Mass in Kilcoo this evening. Since that police investigation is ongoing, it would be inappropriate for the diocese to make any further comment at this time," the statement said.
A spokesman for the PSNI last night said it did not comment on individuals who were the subject of an ongoing investigation.
Local SDLP councillor Mr Peter Fitzpatrick, who was at the Mass on Saturday when parishioners heard the priest was standing down, said locals were surprised at the news.
"Down the years we have been fortunate to have been served by some very, very good priests. We would be saddened if anything happened to change that," Cllr Fitzpatrick told The Irish Times.
"The man is innocent, he hasn't been charged with anything, and we don't know what this investigation is in connection with . . . everyone fell silent when they heard the news. It's not the kind of thing you would expect to happen in a small place like this," he added.