DUP's Gavin Robinson says Jeffrey Donaldson news is devastating

DUP interim leader Gavin Robinson has said news on Friday about Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP was a "devastating revelation".

Sir Jeffrey has been charged with rape and other historical sexual offences and has resigned as Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader.

He said he will be strenuously contesting the charges.

Mr Robinson said: "It has caused a tremendous shock, not just for myself personally, or my colleagues within the DUP, but for the community right across Northern Ireland".

"We are a party and individuals that believe in justice, we have faith in our criminal justice system and so in the coming days and months, we think it is important that none of us say anything or act in any way that would seek to prejudice what is now an ongoing criminal investigation."

He added that it was "very late last night" when the party first became aware of the allegations.