The Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams is being questioned by the PSNI in connection with their investigation into the abduction and murder of Jean McConville.

The 65-year-old TD for Louth is being interviewed by detectives in Antrim having presented himself to police tonight.

The mother-of-ten - known as one of 'The Disappeared' - was abducted and murdered in December 1972. Her remains were not found until 2003.

In a statement released by Sinn Féin this evening, Gerry Adams said he rejected any claims of involvement with her murder.

He said he was meeting with the PSNI voluntarily, having contacted them last month.

He described the murder of Jean McConville as "wrong and a grievous injustice to her and her family."

He said that while he would never disassociate himself with the actions of the I-R-A, he was never a member of the group, and was "innocent of any part in the abduction, killing or burial of Mrs McConville."

The PSNI says a 65-year-old man has been "arrested", and is being questioned by detectives at the Serious Crime Suite in Antrim.

In a separate statement this evening, Sinn Féin's deputy president Mary Lou McDonald has accused the PSNI of seeking to damage Gerry Adams and Sinn Féín.

The Dublin Central TD said she believed the timing was "politically motivated" and designed to damage the party's prospects in the forthcoming European and local elections.