Other NI News In Brief

Man Dies In Freezing Lake

A man has died after falling into a frozen lake in Lurgan Park on Sunday afternoon. It also emerged that fire service personnel and a paramedic also ended up in the water during an attempt to save the victim, who was aged 51. A police helicopter was tasked to the Co Armagh Park at around 2pm, beginning a dramatic two-hour rescue bid involving around 100 members of the emergency services. Two fire service crew and a paramedic ended up in the lake when the inflatable boat they were in capsized but two of them swam to shore and one was rescued by the fire service special rescue team. The victim was airlifted to hospital by an Irish Coast Guard helicopter that was tasked from Dublin, but died. Last week a man was rescued from the same lake after going into the water to save his dog when two park wardens risked to reach the man who fell through the ice while a week before that, a dog died on Lurgan Park lake after falling through the ice.

NI Executive To Agree Budget

The Stormont Executive is close to agreeing a budget with indications today that it could come as early as Tuesday, with the Assembly debating the proposed financial plan on Wednesday. That's despite public disagreement between the DUP and Sinn Fein on issues, including not just where savings will be made, but how more money might be raised. However, the First and Deputy First Ministers are in the Isle of Man attending a British Irish Council meeting today, so it will be at least 24-hours before an any announcement.

Robbers Fire Shot

There were no injuries when a shot was fired yesterday during a robbery at a house in south Armagh. It happened at a house in the Annavale Road area of Keady shortly before 8.30pm. Five or six men - one armed with a handgun, the others with iron bars - threatened the occupants, a 66-year-old man and two women aged 62 and 22. A shot was fired in the air before they fled with cash. The shot went through the ceiling and a bed in an upstairs room, before lodging in the roof.

Blaze Rescue Drama

Three people have been rescued from a house fire in the rural town of Ballyclare. Police believe the blaze may have been started deliberately after fire crews were called to Ballyeaston Road at 1.20am on Monday after neighbours spotted smoke. Four people had already managed to escape by the time firefighters arrived. It is thought a party had been held at the house. The three people who were rescued were given oxygen at the scene and one was taken to hospital.

Pensioner Killed On Road

An 84-year-old pedestrian has been killed after being struck by a vehicle in Co Fermanagh. The man, who has not yet been named, was walking on the Killartry Road near Brookeborough when the incident occurred on Sunday evening. Although not being treated as a hit and run, witnesses are asked to contact police at Omagh.

(BMcC/GK)