04/12/2025

Police Ombudsman 'Unable to Conclude' In WERC Investigation

The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has stated that her office was "unable to conclude definitively" on allegations that functional firearms were returned to paramilitary weapon caches during covert policing operations, and were subsequently used to murder police officers and a civilian.
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The extensive investigation was initiated following two referrals from the PSNI and two public complaints concerning these issues.

Latest Northern Ireland News

04 December 2025
Police Ombudsman 'Unable to Conclude' In WERC Investigation
The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has stated that her office was "unable to conclude definitively" on allegations that functional firearms were returned to paramilitary weapon caches during covert policing operations, and were subsequently used to murder police officers and a civilian.
04 December 2025
Education Minister Opens New £16.5m Elmgrove Primary School
Education Minister Paul Givan has officially opened the brand new £16.5 million Elmgrove Primary School building, marking a significant investment in the local community and education infrastructure.
04 December 2025
Four Charged In Connection With Belfast Protests
A man has been charged to court over a protest outside Belfast Courts on Tuesday afternoon, 2 December. The 20-year-old is charged with disorderly behaviour and doing a provocative act, and is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 30 December.
04 December 2025
PSNI Acknowledges Ombudsman Findings
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has acknowledged the findings of a Police Ombudsman investigation into the murders of RUC Constables Harold Beckett and Gary Meyer on 30 June 1990, and the murder of James Henry Babington on 4 October 1989.
04 December 2025
Minister Welcomes Designation of Key Historic Sites Across NI
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the recent designation of a number of significant new historic monuments and buildings throughout Northern Ireland. The sites, which have been added to the schedule of historic monuments and as listed buildings this week, represent a broad spectrum of the region's past.
04 December 2025
Festive Fund Announced To Support People Experiencing Homelessness
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has allocated a £150,000 goodwill grant to deliver festive dinners and small gifts for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The announcement was made during Homeless Awareness Week, a time the Minister highlighted as critical for recognising the human element behind the statistics.
04 December 2025
Belfast Harbour Awards £63,000 To NI Charities And Community Groups
Belfast Harbour has awarded £63,000 to 16 grassroots organisations across Northern Ireland in the second round of its 2025 Community Awards, backing initiatives from a community farm scheme and an older men's boxing club to a swimming programme that partners assistance dogs with autistic children.
04 December 2025
Other News In Brief
£700k Approved for Belfast Heritage Preservation Projects Alliance Council Group Leader, Councillor Michael Long, has welcomed the news of funding to help protect three key heritage sites.
03 December 2025
Hill Street In Belfast's Cathedral Quarter To Be Pedestrianised
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced a significant change to Belfast's Cathedral Quarter, confirming that Hill Street will be transformed into a pedestrianised zone starting Thursday, 4 December 2025. The Experimental Traffic Control Scheme covers Hill Street between Gordon Street and Waring Street.
03 December 2025
PSNI Launches Winter Anti-Drink And Drug Drive Operation
The PSNI has launched its winter anti-drink and drug driving campaign in Belfast, with Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson issuing a stark warning: "Drink or drug drive, and you are risking lives.