DUP suspends MLA accused of sex act with masseur

The Democratic Unionist Party has suspended one of its assembly members following accusations that he had a sexual encounter with a male masseur.

The claim against Newry and Armagh MLA Paul Berry was published by a Sunday newspaper on the eve of the Westminster elections in May.

Mr Berry has insisted that the claims are malicious nonsense and has threatened to mount a libel action.

The masseur has claimed that he engaged in a sexual act with Mr Berry, who says he met the man because of an old sports injury.