23/08/2004

Police raid home of Co Down priest

Police have raided the home of a Catholic priest in Co Down it was revealed at the weekend.

Father John McCallum, the parish priest of Kilcoo, near Castlewellan, had computers and financial records removed during last weeks search however police would not comment on the reason for the investigation.

In a statement the Catholic Church stressed that no allegations had been made against Father McCallum, but it was confirmed that the Co Down priest had stepped down from all ministerial duties pending the outcome of the police investigation.

"Bishop McKeown met the priest and the priest has stepped down from all ministry pending the conclusion of that investigation," the statement read.

"Bishop McKeown has informed the parishioners of the position at the vigil Mass in Kilcoo.

"Since that police investigation is ongoing, it would be inappropriate for the diocese to make any further comment at this time."

(MB)

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