Police Seek Extra Time To Question Adams

Police in Northern Ireland are seeking more time to question Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams

The Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness confirmed the move.

On Friday morning, it was reported that Mr Adams had spent a second night in custody as detectives continued to question him over the abduction and murder of Jean McConville in 1972.

The former West Belfast MP voluntarily attended Antrim Police Station on Wednesday night at around 8pm where he was then arrested and questioned under caution by detectives from the Serious Crime Branch. It is being reported that he is being questioned under the Terrorism Act.

Police had until 8pm tonight (2 May), to question Mr Adams before they either have to release, charge or request for additional time to interview him. They have now requested additional time.

Sinn Féin have criticised the move, calling it "politically motivated", while Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said it was an example of the "dark side" of Northern Ireland policing.

First Minister Peter Robinson, and Prime Minister David Cameron have rejected this claim.

Ms McConville, 37 and a mother of 10, was abducted from her flat in Belfast in December 1972. She was shot and killed by the IRA. Her body was discovered on a beach in Co Louth in 2003. No-one has ever been charged over her murder, but in recent weeks, a number of arrests have been made. In March, 77-year-old Ivor Bell was charged with aiding and abetting Ms McConville's murder, while five other people have been detained and questioned.

(JP)