Sinn Féin says that Belfast City councillor JJ Magee has been suspended from the party “without prejudice” following an allegation that inappropriate online messages were exchanged between him and a minor.

Sinn Féin National Chairperson Declan Kearney said in a statement that the party whip had also been removed from Magee.

Kearney added that the chief executive of Belfast City Council has been notified.

He said the allegation has been forwarded to social services and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in compliance with the party’s children safeguarding policy.

Sinn Féin said it would be making no further comment as the matter is “under active investigation by the appropriate authorities”.