Liam Adams arrest warrant issued

Liam Adams
The Sinn Fein president's brother Liam Adams is facing sex abuse allegations

A European arrest warrant has been issued for Gerry Adams' brother, Liam, who is wanted in connection with an investigation into sexual abuse.

The PSNI is seeking his extradition from the Irish Republic.

The warrant, issued by the Serious Organised Crime Agency, was endorsed by the High Court in Dublin on Wednesday.

Liam Adams handed himself in to a police station in the Irish Republic in December, but Irish police could not legally detain him without a warrant.

He is wanted by the Police Service of Northern Ireland over claims he sexually abused his now grown-up daughter from the age of four.

His alleged victim, Aine Tyrell, waived her right to anonymity late last year to allege that her father had molested her, claiming that the abuse included rape.

Mr Adams was due to appear in court in Northern Ireland in November 2008 to face 23 charges relating to the alleged abuse, but he failed to show up.

The Sinn Fein leader, who has known about the allegations for over 20 years, has come under pressure to explain why he did not do more to prevent his brother from working with children while the claims were investigated.

Speaking after the arrest warrant was issued, a Sinn Fein spokesman said: "It is our view that this should have happened before now.

"However, what is now important is that this case is placed before the courts and allowed to proceed without further delay."

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