Other News In Brief

Boy, 6, Dies After Being Hit By Car

A six-year-old boy who was hit by a car last week has died.

The child, named as Diarmuid Frazer, was struck by the vehicle in Lisburn, Co Antrim last Wednesday (26 March). He was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, following the accident but on Friday evening it was revealed he had passed away from his injuries.

His twin brother, Cormac, was also struck by the car and is understood to be in a stable condition in hospital.

The boys had gone with a parent to get their hair cut. They were crossing Railway Street in Lisburn when the accident happened shortly after 3.30pm on Wednesday.

Anyone who witnessed the accident is asked to contact police.

Messages Pour In For 'Wee Oscar'

Hundreds of messages have been sent to five-year-old Oscar Knox from Co Antrim.

Last week, Oscar's parents revealed their son's health had deteriorated "significantly" over the last few days.

Oscar, five, has been battling a rare form of cancer. His story hit the headlines when his family started a social media campaign on Facebook and Twitter to highlight his journey. He was disagnosed with neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of childhood cancer.

Since its launch, the campaign has raised funds for vital life-saving treatment for the boy. |

In April 2013, Oscar was given the all clear from the disease, but in August, the Knox's were left devastated when they were told the cancer had returned.

Last week, his parents – Leona and Stephen – made the difficult announcement that Oscar was once again very ill and getting worse "each day", adding that they had "moved to a phase of managing his pain".

Shortly after the news, words of support flowed in for the family. Among those sending their best wishes was deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness. Taking to Twitter, he wrote: "@Wee_Oscar @sknox7 @LeonaKnox Oscar & his inspirational family have gripped our hearts – love, thoughts & prayers for them today #littlehero".

Northern Ireland boxer Paddy Barnes wrote: "@Wee_Oscar hope you get better soon wee man!When you do Ill call round and give you a drive in my new car! #FEARLESS"

Celtic Football Club, Oscar's favourite football team, as well as Rangers Football Club also sent their support and thoughts to the family.

Security Alert At Golf Course

A security alert is currently underway in Strabane.

It is understood that a suspicious object was found near a golf course in the area.

Strabane Golf Club has closed as a result of the alert and the army bomb squad is at the scene on Ballycolman Avenue.

The alert comes just hours after locals were asked to stay vigilant following a report of a pipe bomb in the Ballycolman Road or Laurel Drive areas.

Police received the report on Sunday evening, around 10.30pm but a check uncovered no suspicious objects. The discovery was then made today during a follow-up operation.

According to reports, the object at the centre of the alert was found at a crossing between two parts of the golf course. No homes in the area have been affected at this stage.

(JP)