Other News In Brief

Man Assaulted By Masked Gang

A man has been assaulted by a masked gang in west Belfast.

Police said the gang, who were armed with baseball bats, forced their way into the victim's home at Kerrykeel Gardens around 10.20pm on Wednesday night.

The man, aged 29, was beaten. He sustained bruising to his legs, arms and back.

Detectives have said they are treating the assault as a paramilitary-style attack.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101.

Police Find Suspected Ammunition In Car

Police have recovered suspected ammunition in a torched car.

On Thursday morning, police and the NI Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene at Glenbank Drive in north Belfast where a silver Renault Scenic was on fire.

The incident is being treated as arson, and during a follow-up investigation, the suspected ammunition was found, it has been reported.

Army bomb experts were called to the scene.

Items have been removed and taken for further forensic examinations.

£500k Of Cannabis Seized In Co Down

Police have arrested a 41-year-old man following the discovery of £500,000 of suspected herbal cannabis in Rathfriland, Co Down.

Following a planned search of a property in the Newry Street area on Wednesday, the man was detained by officers on suspicion of possession of cannabis and cultivating cannabis.

Other drugs paraphernalia was recovered during the operation.

Inspector Leslie Badger, from Dromore and Rathfriland Neighbourhood policing team, is quoted as saying: "This significant seizure further reinforces our determination to remove controlled drugs from the streets of Northern Ireland.

"The potential harm to the public caused by drugs is an issue that the PSNI take seriously.

"We will continue to work in conjunction with partner agencies to ensure the closure of all supply routes and to bring to justice those involved in trafficking drugs at all levels."

(JP/MH)