Man Arrested Over Bangor Kidnapping

A 45-year-old man has been arrested by police investigating a kidnap and robbery in Bangor, County Down, in January.

Police say a "substantial sum of money" was handed over during the kidnapping, which began on 17 January at about 22:15 when three masked and armed men entered a property in the Bexley area of Bangor, County Down.

A 52 year-old man and his 18-year-old son were in the house at the time.

At around 04:00 on the morning of 18 January, the teenage son was taken from his home in the family car; a grey Renault Laguna GJZ 9090.

The victim was taken to a vacant house in the Beechmount Parade area of west Belfast.

At about 9:30 he managed to escape and raise the alarm.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

Westlink Opens Following Security Alert

Residents have returned to their homes and the Westlink has reopened following a security alert in south Belfast.

A viable pipe bomb and a hoax device were both examined by Army bomb experts at Iverna Close.

Residents had to leave their homes during the operation, and were put up in the Sandy Row community centre.

Women Convicted Over Benefit Fraud

Three women have been convicted of benefit fraud at Belfast Magistrates' Court.

47-year-old Donna Hylands of Cosgrove Heights, Belfast claimed Housing Benefit and Incapacity Benefit totalling £11,402 while failing to declare employment.

She was given 100 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £34.

Karen Savage, 39, of Frome Street, Belfast, claimed Jobseekers Allowance totalling £6,081 while failing to declare employment.

She was given a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £37.

Natalie Jamison, 23, of Derrycoole Way, Newtownabbey was fined £400 and ordered to pay court costs of £22 for wrongful encashment of Jobseekers Allowance totalling £76.

All three also have to repay any outstanding money to the Social Security Agency.

Tree Felling Licenses Introduced

Licenses for felling trees in woodlands will come into effect in Northern Ireland in June this year.

Forestry Minister Michelle O’Neill made the announcement following agreement in the Assembly.

The Minister said: "Under the Forestry Act, owners of woodlands of 0.2 hectares or more will be required to obtain a licence from my Department to fell trees and to re-establish the woodland under an approved felling management plan.

"Forestry is of international importance because of concerns about the global impact of deforestation on climate, and loss of biodiversity. I believe that the implementation of the felling legislation will go a long way in meeting our obligation to promote woodlands, and their management, in a way that contributes sustainably to the diverse needs of current and future society."

(IT/CD)