Other NI News In Brief

Shooting Probed

Police detectives in Downpatrick are appealing for information following a shooting incident in the Derryboy Road area, Killinchy on Saturday, 24 September. They said that at approximately 11.15pm, it was reported that a male passenger got out of a silver car and fired a number of shots at another vehicle. The occupants of the vehicle were not injured, although they were left badly shaken. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact CID at Downpatrick Police Station on 0845 600 8000. Or if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111. Meanwhile, the PSNI in Castlereagh are appealing for information following an armed robbery at commercial premises in the Saintfield Road area, Carryduff on the same day, Saturday, 24 September. Shortly after 11.00pm two males, wearing balaclavas and armed with what are believed to be firearms entered the premises and forced three members of staff into a rear room and bound them up with tape. The two males then made off with a sum of money. No one was injured in the incident but the members of staff were left badly shaken. Anyone who witnessed this incident or noticed any suspicious activity in the area or who has any information is asked to contact CID in Castlereagh.

Telecomms In Focus

The NI Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment (DETI) has published its final consultation paper on telecommunications investment priorities for the next four years. DETI said that a total of 50 written responses were received to the consultation, which had four proposals. These are to ensure continuing provision of a broadband service in Northern Ireland regardless of where; work with industry to increase superfast broadband coverage in Northern Ireland; examine the case for delivery of improved access to mobile voice and data services and work with industry and stakeholders to stimulate demand for and take-up of telecommunications and broadband services. A statement said the Department has now made its response to all of the comments received and is now examining ways to bring forward work in support of the consultation priorities.

Police Honoured

The Stormont Justice Minister David Ford has praised the courage of PSNI officers who risk their lives everyday to protect everyone in Northern Ireland. The Minister was attending the annual National Police Memorial Day service in Glasgow on Sunday, which is held in memory of police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, where he paid particular tribute to Constable Ronan Kerr. His mum, Nuala Kerr also attended the service and lit a candle in memory of all police officers in Northern Ireland who have died. "We remember especially Constable Ronan Kerr who was brutally murdered by dissident republicans in April this year, simply because he joined the PSNI to make an important contribution to the community in which he lived."

(BMcC/GK)