BELFAST, N. IRELAND — The Church of Ireland said it has suspended a staff member following an allegation of rape.

In a statement, a church spokesperson confirmed the member of staff was suspended following the allegation.

“The Church of Ireland can confirm that a member of staff has been suspended pending the outcome of a police investigation into allegations of sexual assault,” a spokesperson said.

“No further comment will be provided.”

In a statement, the PSNI said they had arrested a 42-year-old man on suspicion of a number of offences including rape.

They said the arrest came after a report was made to police on Friday in the Moira area.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Detectives arrested a 42-year-old man on suspicion a number of offences including rape following a report made to police in the Moira area on Friday 15th May.

“He was subsequently released on bail to allow for further police enquiries. An investigation remains ongoing.”

The Church of Ireland is the second-largest Protestant denomination in Northern Ireland, with census figures indicating it has around 250,000 members or people identifying with the tradition.

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