Other NI News In Brief

Dáil Éireann Minister In Robbery Hostage Shock

Gardaí are investigating an armed robbery where an Irish Government Minister was held hostage at gunpoint this morning. Minister for European Affairs Dick Roche was among a number of people held at a hotel and golf resort in Bray, south of Dublin. No shots were fired during the incident, and the hostages were later released unharmed. The three male attackers then escaped with an undisclosed sum of money in a getaway car, police said. The three attackers, one of them armed with a sawn-off shotgun, raided the Druids Glen Marriott Hotel on Monday morning, gardaí said. "They made their getaway in a dark coloured car - possibly a Volvo," said a police spokesman who added that anyone with information to offer in relation to this incident is asked to contact Gardaí at Bray on 01 6665300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

Barbeque Guilty Plea

An attack at a barbecue which left a Londonderry father-of-one in a coma was recalled in court today as an 18-year-old - Daryl Proctor, from Derry's Fountain estate - was charged with attempting to murder Paul McCauley but pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent instead. Mr McCauley and two others were clearing up after the barbecue in Chapel Road in 2006 when Proctor, then aged 15, attacked them. The accused was released on continuing bail and will be sentenced next month.

Patient Probed

It has emerged that while further tests are being routinely carried out by the Eastern Health Board this is only to confirm whether a patient has rabies or not, as initial tests were said to be positive. The patient had been abroad but began to feel unwell after they had been home for several months. The board said it was leading a multi-agency investigation but stressed the risk to the wider community was 'negligible'. The patient is being treated at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast and is in a critical condition. This is the first notifiable case of rabies in humans in Ulster since 1938 - 70 years ago.

Badger Bating Alert

The Police Service of Northern Ireland are appealing for information and asking the public to remain vigilant following reports of suspicious activity, possibly linked to the illegal hunting of badgers, in the Tandragee and Loughgall areas. On Friday evening (12th December), it was reported that the occupants of a white, family-type car with a dog trailers had been seen behaving suspiciously at Lough Road, Tandragee. A similar incident has also been reported recently in the Loughgall area. Anyone with information about such incidents or who witnesses suspicious activity should contact police by calling 0845 600 8000. Alternatively, information about crime can be passed anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity by contacting 0800 555 111.

Titanic Project To Be 'Signed Off' Tommorow

An East Belfast DUP Councillor and MLA, Robin Newton, who is also a member of Belfast City Council's (BCC) Strategic Policy and Resources Committee has been speaking of his expectation of a positive response on BCC funding for Belfast's Titanic Signature Project. He said that support for this project will be seen as a confident decision and a major step forward for the city affirming BCC's leadership role in developing the Northern Ireland economy. The development of this project will send out a very positive message, highlight a new era for the city and for Northern Ireland's tourism. "The City Council's £10 million contribution is the final piece in the funding jigsaw and should be seen as an investment by the ratepayers for the future," he said.

Cows Swiped

Farm animals valued in the region of 35,000 have been stolen from premises on the Gortnessy Road in Londonderry. A red limousin bull, two red limousin cows and a red and white limousin cow were taken from a shed. Police have appealed to anyone who noticed any suspicious activity on the Gortnessy Road during this period to contact them.

Tiber River Searched For Irishman

The search for an Irish tourist in the River Tiber in Rome is continuing. The 27-year-old man is thought to have fallen in and been swept away. The Tiber is at its highest level in over 40 years after days of torrential rain. Three people are known to have died and the city mayor has declared a state of emergency.

(BMcC)