Crash Tragedy

Another elderly man has died following the latest fatal road accident in 24-hours. This tragedy was in Coleraine, Co Londonderry and came just a day after the death of another pensioner, near Kilkeel, Co Down. The latest victim James McLean, who was 79 and from Portstewart was travelling on the Curragh Road when the accident happened shortly after 5pm on Wednesday. The victim was taken to hospital for treatment, but later died of his injuries. Police said only one car was involved in the accident. See: Tragic Road Crash Pensioner Named

Water Boarding

The NI Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has announced the appointment and re-appointment of non-executive directors to the Board of NI Water. Following the completion of the appointments process the Minister announced three new non-executive directors, John Rae, Deep Sagar and Jim Stewart. In addition Kevin Steele, who has served as an interim non-executive director, will be appointed for a full term and Donald Price has been re-appointed for a further term. The Minister said: "The appointment and re-appointment of these non-executive directors will bring a wealth of experience to the Board of NI Water. In coming to my decision I sought to appoint people with the best mix of knowledge, skills, expertise and specific water industry and regulatory experience to take on the vital role of non-executive director, acting in the best interest of the organisation and indeed the public who rely so much on its services," he said, on Wednesday.

CIT Robbery

Two cars were used by armed men who stole money from a cash in transit (CIT) van in west Belfast. The two men, one armed with a handgun, threatened the driver of the van outside licensed premises in Ladybrook Park at around 2pm on Wednesday and then made off with a cashbox towards Riverdale Park Drive on foot and were seen putting it into the boot of a silver Peugeot 406. They are then believed to have got into a red Rover car which was last seen near Nutts Corner, Co Antrim. The silver Peugeot was later found in Roumania Rise in west Belfast.

Teens Held Over Terror

Two teenagers have been arrested in Londonderry in connection with dissident republican activity. The unnamed 15-year-old boy and a 17-year-old girl were detained in the Cityside area early on Thursday with a PSNI spokesperson saying the youths were arrested under the Terrorism Act.

Dublin Security Alert

A security alert in Dublin disrupted travel in Dublin yesterday. DART services between Connolly and Clontarf were cancelled following the discovery of suspicious objects at Strandville Road off the North Strand. An Army bomb disposal team was called to the scene, which was then sealed off. According to reports, a quantity of grenades was found during renovations of a building. It is believed that the grenades could date back to the War of Independence.

Irish Man Killed In South Africa

An Irish man has been killed in South Africa, the Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed. The 53-year-old, who is understood to have lived in the country for a number of years, was shot dead in Johannesburg. A South African woman, who is believed to be the man's partner, was also shot dead.

Boccia Teams Arrive

The first athletes have started to arrive in Northern Ireland for the CPISRA 2011 Boccia World Cup at the University of Ulster, with the hope of qualifying for the Paralympic Games next year. Over 500 athletes, coaches and officials from 33 countries will descend on Ulster's Jordanstown campus for the London 2012 qualifier, which takes place from 20-26 August. Boccia is a target ball sport similar to bowls designed for people with high level of disability, which can be played as an individual, in pairs or as a three-a-side team. The aim of the game is simple - to get your six balls closer to the white 'jack' ball than your opponents. It is one of only three Paralympic sports that does not have an Olympic counterpart.

Dole Figures 'Need Work'

The Sinn Fein Economy Spokesperson, Conor Murphy has said that he believes that there is more that can be done to arrest the situation over unemployment in NI. "I agree that there is no quick fix to addressing the figures on the continued upward trend in unemployment, [but] there are avenues that could be pursued more rigorously. And while the Minister, Arlene Foster seems to take consolation in the fact that the percentage figures are lower than in Britain this is of little comfort to those who find themselves with no prospect of work," the former Executive Minister said. See: Still More Signing On Dole In NI

(BMcC/GK)