Other NI News In Brief

Road Tragedy

Four men aged in their late teens and early 20s were taken to hospital after a fatal accident early on Sunday morning. Their injuries are not believed to be life threatening, but an 18-year-old man, named today as Lee McFaul from the Desertmartin area, died following the Co Londonderry car crash. The tragedy happened on the Magherafelt Road in Moneymore at about 2.20am. The Magherafelt Road was closed for several hours but has since reopened.

Police Probe Assaault

A man sustained serious head injuries during an assault in Cookstown in the early hours of Saturday. The 21-year-old was attacked by another man in Molesworth Street at around 2am in an incident that took place close to a local nightclub and the police say there were a large number of people in the area at the time. They have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Orange Halls Targeted

Three Orange halls have been attacked in the space of 24 hours. In Belfast six bottles of paint were smashed over the recently refurbished Orange hall in Clifton Street, north Belfast, at some time on Saturday night. A tractor is thought to have been used in attacks on two Orange halls in rural Co Antrim as well with one used to knock down a boundary wall at Granagh Independent Orange Hall on Mullan Road in Rasharkin early on Saturday. The front door of the hall was also damaged. Later, the door to Tullaghans Orange Hall in Ballymoney was forced open and damage caused to drums, tables and chairs which were stored inside.

Play Development For Downpatrick

Work has started on a new £160,000 play facility in south Down.

Preforming the sod cutting ceremony, Social Development Minister, and local MLA, Margaret Ritchie said the park would provide a much-needed resource to the children of Downpatrick. "This new play park will not only provide a much needed source of fun and enjoyment for young people and families of the area, but will also enhance the local environment," she said. "I welcome that I have been able to part fund this very worthwhile project." Chairman of Down District Council, Councillor William Dick said the council was pleased to contribute to the facility, designed for the children and young people of Bridge Street and Mount Crescent: "I look forward to the completion of this project which will undoubtedly improve the quality of life for the area's young residents," he said.

(BMcC/KMcA)