Former head of Police Federation to contest election for DUP

The Democratic Unionist Party is believed to have chosen a former head of the North's Police Federation as one of its candidate for the upcoming British election.

Jimmy Spratt is expected to contest the May 5 election in South Belfast, where he will be seeking to replace Ulster Unionist MP Martin Smith.

A controversial figure, Mr Spratt once called for the resignation of the Police Ombudsman over her damning report into the police investigation of the Omagh bombing.

His candidacy is expected to be officially announced later today.