Sinn Fein's Gerry Kelly questioned over alleged criminal damage

By Michael McHugh, Press Association

Sinn Fein's policing spokesman has been quizzed over alleged criminal damage after a man was filmed removing a clamp from a car.

Gerry Kelly, 64, was interviewed about the incident in Belfast city centre on Friday.

He later tweeted: "No one can be above the law.

"I made a voluntary arrangement to meet the police and met them today for interview.

"I want to get the issue resolved as soon as possible."

A Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) statement said a 64-year-old man was interviewed at a city centre police station.

Social media footage appears to show a man kneeling down to remove the orange device from the vehicle's right-hand wheel, before resting it against a nearby wall.

A pair of bolt cutters appear to be lying beside the wheel.

The private parking firm that controls the area outside the Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC) near St Anne's Cathedral had reported the matter to police.

The DUP said Sinn Fein's leadership faces a "significant test".

Deputy leader Nigel Dodds said he was not holding his breath waiting for action from the republican party's leadership.

It is the latest row to hit Sinn Fein after its West Tyrone MP Barry McElduff resigned under pressure after posting a tweet with a loaf of Kingsmill bread on his head on the anniversary of the republican Kingsmill massacre in 1976.

In a statement Sinn Fein said Mr Kelly's solicitor was dealing with the matter.