Federal agents investigating the activities of a former senior Northern Ireland civil servant have widened their net to include Florida and the UK.

US investigators arrested Stan Mallon (62) for allegedly using the internet to arrange a meeting with a 14-year-old girl in his hotel room.

Officers from the County Sheriff's office pounced when the sting-style operation led to Mr Mallon arriving at a Chicago hotel to allegedly meet someone whom he believed to be the 14-year-old girl. An undercover police officer from Cook County Sheriff's Child Exploitation Unit had been posing as the teen.

Assistant US Attorney said that investigators were now checking out a number of leads.

Mr Mallon's family have travelled to the US to attempt to get him out on bail, but officials have opposed an application for bail on the grounds that he may pose a danger to the public.

Mr Mallon, engaged as a part-time consultant working for the Ulster Scots Agency, had travelled to the US in order to attend St Patrick's Day celebrations.

Lord Laird, the chair of the agency, said that he had been informed about what had happened, but thought that the incident would not affect the role of the agency.

Previously Mr Mallon worked as a high paid executive with the Industrial Development Board, and had fundraising links with children's charity, Children In Need.

If convicted Mr Mallon could face up to 15 years in jail.

(SP)