On this day in Northern Ireland news history

Renewed Call For Vigilance As Wildfire Risk Remains High
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS), and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) have issued a joint appeal for public vigilance due to the high risk of wildfires during the current warm and dry spring weather.

21-Year-Old Jailed Over 'Extensive' Child Abuse And Blackmail
A 21-year-old Lurgan man, Max Hollingsbee, has been sentenced to five years and two months in prison for a campaign of online child sexual abuse and blackmail involving 42 charges. The sentence was handed down at Craigavon Crown Court.

Belfast's Urban Garden Celebrates Successful First Year Of Growth
Belfast's Urban Garden (The BUG) has celebrated a successful first year, not only cultivating plants and flowers but also fostering friendships and strong community connections, remarked Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Andrew McCormick.

Two Men Charged After £200k Cannabis Factory Uncovered In Co Armagh
Two men are due to appear at Lisburn Magistrates Court today, Monday 12th May, charged with a number of drug-related offences following the discovery of a sophisticated cannabis factory in Blackwatertown, Co. Armagh.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons Visits North West 200
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons visited the Briggs Equipment North West 200 over the weekend to meet with competitors and fans at the internationally renowned road racing event.

Police Appeal For Information After Erratic Driving Incident
Police in Derry City and Strabane are appealing for information following an incident involving a silver-coloured BMW being driven erratically in the city last night, Sunday 11th May.

NI Pupils Build Lasting Links With Ukrainian School Near The Front Lines
Kilmoyle Primary School situated in the village of Ballybogey, Co Antrim has been selected to take part in the UK–Ukraine School Partnerships Programme, a British Council initiative funded by the UK Government.

Warning Issued Over Unregulated Weight Loss Medication
The Department of Health (DoH) has issued a warning over the dangers of buying prescription weight loss injections from unregulated sources, following an increase in demand reported in NI.

Sustrans Launches Active Travel Challenges
Sustrans has issued a challenge to people across NI to 'switch up their usual routine" in June and walk, wheel, cycle or use public transport as a cleaner, greener way to travel.

Access To Dental Care Is At Risk Of Becoming A Luxury – Alliance
Access to dental care is at risk of becoming a luxury for most people in Northern Ireland, Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has said. Ms Bradshaw said that a failure to address issues impacting health service dentistry will only add to pressures on the Health Service in future.

FinTrU To Create 300 New Jobs In L'Derry
Financial specialist, FinTrU, has announced that it will create 300 new jobs with a £20m investment in L'Derry. Supported by Invest Northern Ireland, the new roles will see FinTrU's North West operation double in size.

PSNI Support NCA Modern Slavery And Exploitation Campaign
The PSNI's Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Unit and Ports Team have announced their support for a National Crime Agency campaign to raise awareness of, and combat, sexual exploitation, forced criminality, forced begging and child trafficking.

Parents And Children Urged To 'Leave The Car And Walk To School'
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has appealed for parents and children to 'leave the car at home and walk to school'.

'Viable Pipe Bomb' At Centre Of Antrim Rd Security Alert
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following a security alert on the Antrim Road in north Belfast. Emergency services responded to reports of a suspicious object shortly before 6pm last night, Thursday 11 May.

Four Drink Driving Arrests In Just Three Hours
Four people have been arrested on drink driving offences in just a three hour period across Ards and North Down on Wednesday 10 May. At around 9.30pm, patrolling officers saw a driver having difficulty negotiating a corner in the Comber Road area of the town.

FHO Racing Withdraws From NW200
The FHO Racing BMW Motorrad team has withdrawn from the North West 200 citing "no confidence in the application of the Superstock technical regulations".

Man Convicted In First Operation Venetic Investigation In NI
A 37-year-old man has been sentenced to three years at Laganside Crown Court for a range of drug and counterfeit currency charges. Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Organised Crime Branch have welcomed the sentence handed down to Samuel McKeag.

£2.1m Invested In Health Service Education And Training
Funding of £2.1 million is to be invested in education and training to boost the health service workforce, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.

Man Shot And Beaten In Bushmills Attack
The PSNI have issued an appeal for help in tracing the whereabouts of following a shooting incident in the Woodvale Park area of Bushmills last night, Wednesday 11th May. Shortly after 11.10pm it was reported that a number of masked men entered a house armed with a gun and "wooden weapons".

Lyons Welcomes 'Strong Performance' Of NI's Higher Education
Northern Ireland's Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have recorded a "strong performance" in the latest Research Excellence Framework 2021 (REF). The UK-wide REF provides a rigorous assessment of the quality and impact of universities' research across all subject areas.

NI House Prices Continue To Rise
House prices are continuing to rise as demand grows across Northern Ireland despite rising inflation and living costs, according to the latest research from Ulster University. Findings from the Quarterly House Price Index show a price growth of 2.

Poots Tours 153rd Balmoral Show
Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots has been given a taster of what's on at the Balmoral Show when he viewed some of the award-winning livestock and exhibits.

Minimum Pricing Of Alcohol Consultation Extended
A public consultation on proposed Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) of alcohol has been extended until 27 May following a number of requests, the Department of Health has announced.

Future Of Social Care Consultation Extended
Health Minister Robin Swann has called on people to "play their part" in shaping the future of social care in Northern Ireland. Minister Swann has announced a further extension to the public consultation on Reform of Adult Social Care – submissions can now be made up to July 1, 2022.

McDonald's And Red Cross Launch Ukraine Fundraising Appeal
McDonald's have announced their support for a special fundraising appeal, urging customers across NI to give what they can to support those suffering in Ukraine.

Ballymurphy Families Vindicated
The pronouncement of 10 people killed in west Belfast in 1971 as innocent has been welcomed by deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill. The British Army was found to be responsible for nine of the deaths of 10 people in Ballymurphy in August 1971.

Minister Pushes Ahead With Plans For Enniskillen Southern Bypass
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon is pushing ahead with plans for the Enniskillen Southern Bypass scheme. Minister Mallon said: "I have made it plain that my focus is on doing what I can to improve the lives of people in Northern Ireland.

Work Commences On New Park And Ride Facilities In Carrickfergus
Construction work has commenced to develop new Park and Ride facilities at Trooperslane, Carrickfergus.

Economy Minister Launches New Vision For The Economy
Economy Minister Diane Dodds has launched her ambitious economic vision which will lead to better jobs with better wages.

Fleet Of New Buses Unveiled At Lagan College
A fleet of new high-specification buses have been unveiled at Lagan College in south Belfast. The investment of £13million will see 116 new school buses on the road in May which will transport 3,500 pupils to mainstream and special schools across Northern Ireland.

Two Men Charged After £500,000 Of Cocaine Seized
Two men have been charged after the seizure of suspected cocaine, worth a street value of £500,000, in Fintona, County Tyrone. The Organised Crime Unit carried out raids in the area on Monday, 10 May.

Eamonn Magee Jr Murder: Orca Koca To Serve 14 Years
The Turkish man convicted of stabbing Eamonn Magee Jr to death is to serve a minimum of 14 years in prison. Orhan Koca admitted murder just before his trial was due to begin. Mr Magee, 22, was stabbed in the Twinbrook area in west Belfast on 30 May, 2015.

Businesses Urged To Complete Environmental Benchmarking Survey
Businesses across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to complete the NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey 2017.

Man Extradited From France Over Alleged Rape
A man has been extradited from France to Northern Ireland over an alleged rape. The 26-year-old Romanian national was extradited from Lyon using a European Arrest Warrant.

Rise In Number Of Pupils Contacting Childline Over Exam Stress
The number of children in NI contacting Childline for help as they struggle to cope with exam stress has increased. A total of 93 counselling sessions were given to children in NI in 2016/17, up from 78 the year before, according to new figures from the NSPCC-run service.

Man Suffers Burn Injuries In North Belfast Attack
A 30-year-old man has sustained burn injuries after boiling water was poured over him in an attack in north Belfast. The victim was walking in the Denmark Street area at around 1.30am on Friday, 12 May. A car with three men stopped beside him and two of the passengers assaulted him.

John McGuinness In 'Good Spirits' After Crash At North West 200
Road racer John McGuinness is believed to be in "good spirits" after he crashed during a practice session at the North West 200. The collision happened during a Superbike practice session at Primrose Corner on Thursday, 11 May.

Tourist Attacked In West Belfast
Sinn Fein has condemned an alleged attack on a tourist in west Belfast. The robbery and assault occurred in the Falls Road area on Thursday, 11 May. Sinn Fein MLA Alex Maskey described the incident as "disgraceful".

Armed Gang Assault Teenager In South Belfast
A teenager has been attacked by a gang armed with baseball bats in south Belfast. The assault occurred in the Maryville street area between 1am and 1.30am on Thursday, 11 May. The 17-year-old boy sustained facial injuries as well as fractures to his hands, shoulder and legs.

UUP To Form Official Opposition At Stormont
The Ulster Unionist Party is to form the first Official Opposition within the Northern Ireland Assembly, Leader Mike Nesbitt has confirmed. Mr Nesbitt made the announcement to the Assembly today, 12 May.

MI5 Increases Threat Level To GB From NI-Related Terrorism Offences
The MI5 has increased the threat level to Great Britain from Northern Ireland-related terrorism offences from moderate to substantial, according to Home Secretary Theresa May. In a statement to the House of Commons she said the threat level indicates that a terrorist attack is a strong possibility.

NI Assembly To Meet For First Time
The Northern Ireland Assembly is to meet for the first time today, 12 May, to elect the First and deputy First Ministers. It is expected that Arlene Foster and Martin McGuinness will be re-appointed.

Women In Business Announce First Annual Chair's Lunch
Women in Business have announced their first annual Chair's Lunch on Thursday 09 June, during which diversity in the workplace and creating a new economy through inclusive growth are set to be key topics.

Man Dies Following Crash In Co Armagh
A 20-year-old man has died following a two-vehicle collision in Portadown, Co Armagh. The crash, between a red Peugeot 207 car and a tractor, happened on the Derryanvil Road shortly before 10am on Thursday, 12 May. The driver of the tractor was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Police Appeal For Missing Teen James Allsopp
Police have issued an appeal for help to trace missing 18-year-old James Allsopp. He was reported missing from the New Lodge area in north Belfast on Wednesday. The PSNI and his family are becoming increasingly concerned for his welfare.

Slight Rise In NI Crime
Over 105,000 crimes were recorded in Northern Ireland last year, a 1.8 per cent increase on the previous year, according to new figures published by the PSNI. The PSNI also failed to meet some of the targets set out in the last year’s Policing Plan.

Man Arrested Over Murder Of Daniel Murray
A 38-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of Daniel Murray. Mr Murray, a delivery driver, aged 55, was shot in his car in the Lady Street area of west Belfast on Monday, 09 May. The suspect was arrested by police in west Belfast on Wednesday, 11 May.

Elderly Woman Injured During Carjacking In West Belfast
An elderly woman has been injured after being attacked during an attempted carjacking in west Belfast. A man approached the woman in the Cavendish Square area shortly before 4.30pm on Wednesday, 11 May, and tried to take her car keys. The victim got into a struggle with the man and was assaulted.

Gerard 'Jock' Davison Murder Investigation 'Very Challenging'
The investigation into the murder of Gerard 'Jock' Davison in the Markets area is 'very challenging', according to police.

Robinson Announces Ministerial Reshuffle
First Minister Peter Robinson has announced a reshuffle of his DUP ministers. Arlene Foster has stepped down as Enterprise Minister and been appointed Finance Minister. Jonathan Bell has been appointed Enterprise Minister.

Executive's Disability Strategy Extended
The Executive's Disability strategy has been extended until the end of March 2017. Junior Ministers Jennifer McCann and Michelle McIlveen made the announcement.

Sharp Rise In Number Of Men Suffering Strokes Aged 40-54
The number of men aged between 40 and 54 suffering strokes in Northern Ireland has more than doubled in 12 years, according to the Stroke Association. There were 123 hospital admissions in 2002, and 252 in 2014, the charity reports.

2.3% Rise In Overall Crime
There has been a 2.3% rise in overall crime, according to the PSNI's annual crime statistics.

PHA Launches 'Be Cancer Aware' Campaign
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has launched a lung cancer campaign to raise awareness, as it is one of the most common cancers in Northern Ireland. The PHA is launching the next phase of its 'Be Cancer Aware' campaign, which will focus specifically on lung cancer.

Memorial For Off-Duty Soldier Vandalised In Armagh
A memorial erected for an off-duty soldier killed by the IRA in south Armagh in 1975 has been vandalised.

Minister Commends Nurses' Commitment And Dedication
The Health Minister has commended nurses across Northern Ireland during a visit to the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald. Speaking on International Nurses Day, Minister Simon Hamilton thanked nurses for their commitment and dedication.

Oldham Manager Receives Death Threats
Oldham manager Darren Kelly has received a death threat, the football club have confirmed. The Northern Ireland man was appointed as the Latics manager week. Supporters are not happy after he appeared to praise First Minister Martin McGuiness as a "legend" on Twitter.

Lo Supports Campaign Against Review Of Birds And Habitats Directives
The European Commission has launched a campaign against a proposed review of the birds and habitats directives.

New Mencap Childcare Facility Approved
Planning permission has been approved for a new purpose built childcare facility for Mencap NI in Newtownbreda, County Antrim. The two storey building, located on School Road, will provide a ground floor nursery plus associated administration and meeting accommodation.

Ballymena Bus Company Invests £14m In Research And Development
Over 100 new jobs are to be created in Antrim by Ballymena-based bus company Wrightbus. The 130 jobs come alongside a total investment in the company of £14m, more than £10m of which the company say will be used for research and development.

130 Jobs Created At Wrightbus
130 new jobs are to be created as part of a £14m investment by Ballymena company Wrights Group, one of the UK's leading bus builders. Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster announced that the investment would go to funding five research and development (R&D) projects at the company.

£900k Funding Announced For South Tyrone
£900,000 funding has been announced for Dungannon and South Tyrone after the local Borough Council unveiled details of a financial package that will provide investment in communities, sports and events over the next 12 months.

Belfast And Boston Become 'Sister Cities'
Belfast has today signed a 'Sister Cities' agreement with Boston in the US to increase links between the two cities, it has been announced. The agreement was signed earlier today in Boston by Belfast Lord Mayor Máirtín Ó Muilleoir and his Boston counterpart Mayor Martin J Walsh.

McGuinness Criticises 'Partisan' Approach Of UK Govt.
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has criticised what he calls a "partisan approach" to key issues in Northern Ireland by the British government.

UTV Ireland Announces Senior Appointments
UTV has announced a series of executive appointments to its new project; an all-Ireland station that will begin broadcasting in 2015.

Ministers Bid 'Farewell' To Giro
The First and deputy First Minister have officially said "farewell" to the 'Big Start' stage of the Giro d'Italia. The annual cycle race is held in Italy every year, but incorporates neighbouring countries into the route.

Sharpest Rise In Private Sector Since Records Began
The private sector in Northern Ireland has shown record increases in April 2014, according to the latest Purchasing Managers Index (PMI). The PMI is a monthly report produced by Ulster Bank and surveys a panel of firms, tracking indicators including new orders, employment and exports.

Footballer Suspended Over Oscar Knox Tweet
A teenager who plays for the youth team at Portadown Football Club has been suspended following a derogatory comment he made about the death of Oscar Knox, the five-year-old boy from Mallusk, County Antrim, who died last Thursday after a long battle with cancer.

NI Private Sector Continues To Grow
The Northern Ireland private sector experienced further growth in April with record rises in output and new orders over the month, according to the latest Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) from Ulster Bank. Output at companies in Northern Ireland rose for the tenth consecutive month in April.

Hay Re-Appointed Assembly Speaker
One of the first decisions of the newly elected Stormont Assembly when it took its seats today has been to appoint the Speaker.

Celtic Manager Target Of Violence Again
A man has been arrested in connection with an attack on Celtic Manager Neil Lennon. The attack occurred on the Northern Ireland man came during the second half of his team's 3-0 win against Hearts at Tynecastle in Edinburgh.

Glengormley Ex-Pat Shrugs Off Earthquake
A Northern Ireland ex-pat now living in Spain has spoken of his shock over the deaths of at least eight people after an earthquake struck a nearby town.

Real IRA Prisoner's Resume 'Dirty' Protest
Inmates at Northern Ireland's highest security prison are reportedly taking part in a new so-called dirty protest. Around 15 republican inmates at Maghaberry in Co Antrim have wrecked their cells and hurled defecation onto the prison's landings.

Methody Choir Get Royal Audience
There will be 'songs of praise' for the Queen's Dublin visit next week as the Chapel Choir from Belfast's Methodist College perform at a reception in the British Embassy.

Northern Bank Loss Blamed On Property
The Northern Bank has reported a loss of £27m in three months - with most losses related to loans made to fund the property market. Operating profit was £12m but this was wiped out by impairment charges of £39m (money set aside to cover outstanding loans).

Giant's Park Regeneration On Agenda
A major conference will take place in Belfast next month focusing on the regeneration and development of Giant's Park - the former Dargan Road landfill site.

Minister Congratulates Mivan On Contract
Former Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has congratulated Mivan on securing over £30 million worth of contracts in new markets over the past six months. The Antrim-based firm operates within the construction and marine refurbishment sectors and employs over 300 people in NI and Britain.

Traks In Portrush Reveals Closing Party
Northern Ireland's dance music scene will never be the same again after Traks nightclub in Portrush closes its doors for the very last time following 20 years of music, dancing and other.

Minister Congratulates Mivan On Contract Success
Former Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has congratulated Mivan on securing over £30 million worth of contracts in new markets over the past six months. The Antrim-based firm operates within the construction and marine refurbishment sectors and employs over 300 people in NI and Britain.

UK Companies To Compete On Global Stage
Business Secretary Vince Cable, Foreign Secretary William Hague and Trade and Investment Minister Lord Green have launched a new cross-government focus on trade and investment to help the British economy grow.

Paterson For NIO Role?
A year on from one of his many visits to NI - while a guest of Ulster Unionists at the Royal Ulster Agricultural Show at Balmoral in 2009 - Owen Paterson has been tipped for the post of Northern Ireland Secretary.

Schoolboy's Killer Gets 30 Years
Sentences have been handed down for two men convicted of killing a defenceless 15-year-old schoolboy in Belfast. Mr Justice McLaughlin set the minimum terms of imprisonment to be served by the two men convicted of the murder of Thomas Devlin, shown here on a earlier poster held by his mother.

Legal Aid Bill To Be Slashed, Says Ford
Barristers involved in legal aid work in NI have been told they must be more realistic about their fees. The cost is around 20% more expensive per head of population than in England and Wales.

Hamill Probe Seeks Public's Views
The Robert Hamill Inquiry is inviting members of the public to submit their views on any issues they believe the Inquiry should cover in its recommendations.

Bogland Sinks A1 Carriageway
Part of a newly built 'trunk road' in Co Down has been re-excavated after subsidence.

Developer Hits Sunday World For Damages
A leading Northern Ireland property developer has accepted £30,000 in libel damages from the Sunday World newspaper. Frank Boyd, who co-owns the William Ewart firm, sued the paper over an article that made references to an arson attack on a Belfast retail complex, the BBC reports.

Economic Recovery In Jeopardy: UUP
Ulster Unionist member of the Assembly committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Leslie Cree has expressed concern that the proposed redeployment of Planning Service staff could prove "critical" to Northern Ireland's economic recovery.

Lights, Camera, Action!
A fast-growing lighting and sound business in Northern Ireland has just finished a major theatre installation. Production Services Ireland has supplied and installed the lighting and sound equipment at the new 400-seater Theatre At the Mill in Newtownabbey, Co Antrim.

Strabane Road Works Welcomed
Despite reduced spending overall, a continuing programme of road repair and construction in border areas of Co Tyrone have been welcomed. NI Transport Minister, Conor Murphy (pictured) has welcomed the successful completion of Roads Service's 2009/2010 programme of works and the planned £3.

Stewart Love Plays Set For Revival
Prolific playwright Stewart Love, the man whose work epitomised the 'angry young men' era of Belfast in the 60s, has had his first collection of plays published.

Construction Contraction Beginning To 'Level Out'
Contraction in the Northern Ireland construction industry remained relatively unchanged during the last quarter, according to new government figures.

Judge Undecided On IRA Sources Case
A Belfast judge has said he is "minded" to give police permission to legally induce a reporter to reveal her dissident republican sources. However, Judge Tom Burgess insisted no decision will be made until both sides have stated their case.

Two Men Arrested Over Northern Bank Robbery Cash
Two men are to appear in court after being arrested yesterday in connection with money laundering of cash taken during the Northern Bank raid in 2004. Gardai in Cork have arrested two men aged 62 and 40-years-old in Cork City yesterday.

Consumer Council Slams Translink Fares Increase
Transport fares in Northern Ireland are to increase by up to 2% on Metro and local Ulsterbus and 3% on Northern Ireland Railways local fares. However, there won't be increases in the prices of Metro Smartlink and Ulsterbus multi-journey.

Catholic Prisoners Facing Discrimination, Says Report
NI Prisons Service has been accused of inequality of treatment for inmates. A report has strongly criticised the service after a report found that Catholics in prisons in Northern Ireland get fewer privileges than their Protestant counterparts.

Cooker Fault Killed Elderly Belfast Woman, Says Coroner
A domestic tragedy was recalled this week when a coroner found that a 91-year-old woman died from carbon monoxide poisoning - after closing the door on the grill of her gas cooker while it was in operation.

Iraqi Delegation Meets NI Policing Board
A UN/Iraqi delegation has met with members of the NI Policing Board. They were in Belfast for a briefing on the transformation and progress in policing in Northern Ireland.

Prison Authorities Set "Challenging Targets"
The way in which female prisoners are treated in Northern Ireland is among the issues being targeted in a new prison management plan. The Northern Ireland Prison Service has just published its Corporate Plan for 2009-2012 and associated Business Plan.

Construction Firms Head To Gulf On Trade Mission
Twenty-eight local companies and university representatives, including several specialising in construction and environmental technologies, are currently in Saudi Arabia as part of an Invest NI trade mission.

Weekend News In Brief
Woman Tied Up As Home Ransacked A woman is recovering after she was tied to a chair by four men during a burglary in County Down. It happened at a house in Tullyah Road, Belleeks, at about 11.40pm on Sunday evening. The woman was in an upstairs bedroom when the gang of four men got into her home.

Family Speak Of Heartache After Bushmills Builder Killed
The family of a workman killed in a tragic dumper-truck crash, at a County Antrim building site on Friday, have spoken for the first time about their heartache. Colin Glass's brother-in-law revealed that this is the second fatal accident to happen within the family circle in only five years.

Omagh Trial Delayed
On the same day that a man was due to appear at Belfast Crown Court - charged with the murder of Robert McCartney (33), who was beaten and stabbed to death outside a bar near Belfast city centre on in January 2005 - a civil court action being taken by some of the families who lost loved ones in the

Fujitsu Consolidates Position With 150 More Jobs
Following last week's high profile US-NI Investment Conference, Northern Ireland's good news continues. Economy Minister, Nigel Dodds has now announced an £8.8 million investment by Fujitsu Services, creating 150 jobs, in Belfast and Londonderry.

Troubled Weekend In NI
It has been a troubled few days with reports of disturbances in the Castlereagh area of east Belfast last night, and two serious arson attacks in different areas of Northern Ireland earlier in what has turned out to have been a violent weekend.

Rape Accused For Court
A man has been charged with raping a woman in the Dungannon area at the weekend while another is to appear in court over a rape in Belfast last month.

Selection Row Won't Displace Ruane: Sinn Féin
Continuing controversy over the long-awaited replacement for the ditched 11+ transfer test won't provoke a sideways move for the beleaguered Sinn Féin Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane. There are no plans to change the Stormont Ministerial team, a senior Sinn Féin party member has said.

McCord Killers Taken To Book
THE father of UVF murder victim Raymond McCord Jnr has recalled the agony of the moment when he found out his son was dead in a new book to be published this week.

House Prices Must Fall Back By Two Years: RSCS
Hot on the heels of figures which showed the number of house repossessions in Northern Ireland rose by a third in the first quarter of the year - from 566 to 754 - an expert has claimed that prices will have to fall to the levels of two years ago for the market to make a recovery.

Biker Death Is Year's Fourth Tragedy
The death of an injured motorcyclist at the weekend brought to four the number of such road users killed this year on local roads, while at the same time, an inquest has been told of how excessive speed almost certainly killed two other bikers in 2006.

Ballymena Council opens book of condolence
Ballymena Borough Council has voted to open a book of condolence for murdered schoolboy Michael McIlveen. At a meeting last night the councillors agreed to open the book, which has already been signed by the town's Democratic Unionist party mayor Tommy Nicholl and a number of other councillors.

HMV gets go-ahead to make fresh bid for Ottakar's
The Competition Commission has cleared the way for HMV to make a fresh bid for bookseller's Ottakar's. The Competition Commission ruled that a merger would not lead to a "substantial lessening of competition". HMV, which also owns the Waterstone's book chain, launched a £96.

Vauxhall workers return from walkout
Workers at Vauxhall's Ellesmere Port factory in Cheshire have reportedly returned to work after yesterday's unofficial walkout.

Police Federation hit out at shooting 'leak'
The Police Federation for Northern Ireland has hit out at a leak of information to the media regarding the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Stephen Colwell in Ballynahinch on Easter Sunday.

Boy's ear bitten off in dog attack
A 12-year-old boy has lost part of his ear following an attack by a dog. The attack occurred in the Upper Stanfield Street area of the city.

Killer detention opportunities missed
A report has indicated that a number of opportunities to detain a psychiatric patient who fatally stabbed his girlfriend were missed. Lisburn patient Paul Andrew McCleery, 39, killed his girlfriend Sharon Moore, 30, in March 2003, one month after he was released from a secure ward.

Robbery at North Belfast off-licence
Police have appealed for information following a robbery at an off-licence in Broom Street in north Belfast. The robbery occured at around 8.30pm on Thursday evening.

Video system to replace ID parades
The PSNI, in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Office, have announced details of a new system to replace traditional ‘ID parades’.

Smuggling highlighted at Balmoral Show
Items used to smuggle drugs and counterfeit cigarettes into the UK have been placed on show at the HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) exhibition stand at the Balmoral Show.

Changes made to 'Get Home Safe’ bus routes
Some changes have been made to the routes operated by the 'Get Home Safe’ Night Bus Service from Shaftesbury Square in the early hours of Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Illegal dumpers fined £12,500
Illegal dumping in Newtownards has been penalised with fines exceeding £12,500 today. William Corrie of Crossnamuckley Road, Newtownards, Leslie Wright of Movilla Road, Newtownards and Brikkiln Civil Engineering Contractors Ltd.

Research places NI bottom of home working table
TUC research of regional trends of home working using previously unpublished data from the Labour Force Survey has revealed that Northern Ireland has the UK’s lowest percentage of people working from home. The data indicated that only 15,000 workers – just 2.

Man injured in pipe bomb attack
A man has been injured following a pipe bomb attack in Co Armagh on Wednesday. The 32-year-old victim was caught up in the blast which occurred outside his home in the Tyross Gardens area of Armagh city at around 10.40pm.

Young girl escapes abduction attempt
A 12-year-old girl has escaped an abduction attempt in west Belfast on Wednesday. The driver of what was described by police as a "distinctive" black four-door car shouted at the girl to get into his vehicle on the Shaw's Road at about 9.15pm. The girl immediately screamed and ran off.

Police examine road signs hit by gunfire
Police are examining road signs which have been hit by gunfire in an area close to where five-year-old Darragh Somers was shot in the head last month.

Fifth man charged over football riot
A fifth man has been charged with riotous behaviour at last month’s Glentoran and Linfield football match in east Belfast. The 27-year-old is expected to appear at Belfast Magistrates Court next week. Last week, two men appeared in court on the same charge.

Cookstown to remain closed as gas alert continues
Part of Cookstown is to remain closed until around teatime today (Tuesday) as emergency services deal with yesterday’s gas cylinder explosion. Residents in the town centre spent last night in emergency accommodation because of the risk of a gas explosion.

HSENI urges extra vigilance on farms
The Health & Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) has stepped up its campaign to improve child safety on farms by using a dramatic enactment visually portraying the impact of the death of a child.

World Bank expert delivers UU lecture
Globalisation has made a major impact on world poverty, especially in India and China, according to World Bank and Harvard University expert Dr Michael Woolcock, who delivered a guest lecture at the University’s Coleraine campus this week.

Queen’s out for Boat Race revenge
The official challenge between Queen's University Belfast and Trinity College Dublin took place yesterday at Queen's Boat Club on the River Lagan to launch the second University Boat Race.

McCabe widow 'trusts' government pledges
The McCabe family have issued a statement saying that they trust the pledges given by the Irish government in relation to the early releases of four men convicted of killing the Garda Detective.

B.I.C. complete financial automation project for RMC
B.I.C. Systems, a leading technology solutions provider in Ireland and the UK, has completed a major technology based project for RMC, one of the largest building materials suppliers in the UK.

Co Derry rail victim named
More details have emerged about yesterday's train crash in Co Londonderry which left a pensioner dead. Jean Irwin, who was in her 70s, died after her car was hit by an oncoming train at an unmanned railway crossing near Limavady, shortly after 1pm on Tuesday.

NI unemployment figure falls to new low
Northern Ireland's unemployment rate has fallen to a new low. The latest labour force figures, released today, show that the current unemployment figure has fallen from 6.3% to 5.2% for the period January – March 2004.

Belfast to host 'Media Education' conference
Nearly one hundred delegates from 23 countries will converge on Belfast tomorrow to attend a major international conference on media education.

Minister announces £1.35m Community Safety funding
Community groups are set to receive a further £1.35 million over the next three years to support local safety schemes across Northern Ireland.

Most road deaths occur on rural roads, Government reveals
The majority of road deaths in Northern Ireland occur on rural roads, the Government revealed today.

Spellar plans laws to control 'unauthorised encampment'
John Spellar, Minister for Social Development, has announced his intention to introduce legislation to control unauthorised encampments. Mr Spellar's announcement comes ahead of this week's North West 200 event which will see thousands of visitors stay in the area.

Water Service begins £650,000 infrastructure scheme
The Water Service has commenced work on a £650,000 "distribution and rationalisation" water scheme in Lougheramore, Co Londonderry. The work, which will involve the laying of new water mains, is scheduled to last for approximately a year.

Carrick school's design entry advances to Nationwide final
Students from Downshire School in Carrickfergus have won £3,000 for their school as a result of their entry in a nationwide design competition called Creative Spaces.

Top training award for Derry Airport Fire Fighter
A senior City of Derry Airport fire fighter has been awarded a top training award at the International Fire Training School in Teesside, Co. Durham.

Bombardier deal secures remaining Shorts jobs
Bombardier Aerospace has secured a contract worth $7 billion for an order of up to 275 new aircraft. The contract with US Airways means that the jobs of more than 3,000 employees at Bombardier's Shorts plant will be secured.

'Stakeknife' whereabouts unknown
The whereabouts of alleged IRA informer 'Stakeknife' were unknown today despite reports that he had not, in fact, left Belfast as first thought.

Letter bomb explodes at UUP HQ
A letter bomb has exploded at Ulster Unionist Party headquarters in east Belfast this morning. The device, which was addressed to party leader David Trimble, partially detonated when it was opened, however no-one was injured and little damage was caused.

SMEs targeted for government funding awards
Small businesses and manufacturers are among those the Department of Trade and Industry is encouraging to apply for the next round of the government's Partnership Fund.

Condition of Belfast CJD victim 'stabilised'
The condition of a Belfast teenager suffering from variant CJD has reportedly stabilised according to his father. Don Simms said the condition of his son Jonathon had stopped deteriorating after the start of controversial treatment.

Downpatrick escapees to appear before court
Two men who escaped from Downpatrick Magistrates' Court last week are to appear in the same court later today after being aprehended over the weekend.

Bombardier deal secures remaining Shorts jobs
Bombardier Aerospace has secured a contract worth $7 billion for an order of up to 275 new aircraft. The contract with US Airways means that the jobs of more than 3,000 employees at Bombardier's Shorts plant will be secured.

Second man arrested in Crawfordsburn murder
A second man has been arrested in connection to the murder of a leading loyalist in Co Down last week. He was detained yesterday afternoon following the release of the first man arrested in connection to the murder of 45-year-old Jim Johnston on Thursday night.

McGimpsey hits out at DUP 'misinformation'
The DUP are so desperate to lambast the Ulster Unionist Party that they are openly contradicting themselves, senior Ulster Unionist Michael McGimpsey has said. In a statement Mr McGimpsey said that the DUP's was spinning out of control.

Additional Hib vaccine offered to NI children
A campaign has been launched in Northern Ireland today aimed at giving all children aged between 6 months and 4 years an extra dose of Haemophilus influenzae b (Hib) vaccine during 2003. The decision follows a recent small rise in cases of Hib disease throughout the UK.

Newtownabbey couple suffer burglary ordeal
Police are appealing for information after a man and his wife were injured during a burglary at their Newtownabbey home over the weekend. Awakened by his house alarm at around 1.30am on Saturday morning, the man was attacked by two men in his front garden when he went to investigate.

Enlarged EU will see NI slip in importance
UUP MEP Jim Nicholson has warned that EU enlargement will see Northern Ireland slip down the scale of importance.