Man Attacked With Hammers

A man in his 50s has been attacked by a gang of men with hammers in north Belfast.

The incident occurred on Monday evening when up to five men are reported to have broken into a house in the Rosapenna Street area.

They ordered the man to come downstairs where he was then attacked.

He was taken to for hospital treatment to injuries to his hands and feet.

Four In Court Over PIRA Membership

Four people have appeared in court charged with membership of the Provisional IRA.

Past suspected PIRA members appeared at Belfast's Crown Court for arraignment today.

Charges included membership, intimidation and organising, arranging, or speaking at a terrorist meeting.

Fifth Of NI Population Limited By Health Condition

Just over 20% of the Northern Ireland population is limited by a health condition, according to a report by the Equality Commission.

The statistics were highlighted by Michael Wardlow, Chief Commissioner of the Equality Commission, who was speaking on the United Nations designated International Day for People with Disabilities.

"People with all kinds of disabilities face great challenges on a daily basis," Mr Wardlow said.

"But the Commission's own research has shown that people with mental ill-health face more negative responses than people with other forms of disability, from neighbours, from work colleagues and in accessing services."

The Equality Commission has recently urged the Northern Ireland Executive to develop disability legislation to address areas of less protection against disability discrimination than in Great Britain.

£100k To Address Intergenerational Projects

£100,000 is to be invested in developing intergenerational projects across Northern Ireland.

Justice Minister David announced the funding, which will help the group Linking Generations Northern Ireland (LGNI) to work with Policing and Community Safety Partnerships (PCSPs) to develop ideas in order generations to gain a greater understanding of one another.

Speaking at an event hosted jointly by Linking Generations and the Belfast PCSP, David Ford said: "Whilst crime rates and anti-social behaviour incidents across Northern Ireland continue to fall, attitudes and perceptions around crime are often harder to tackle.

"This project will look at how young and older people view each other and will promote and develop practical measures, reassurance and peace of mind for those in our community who need it most.

"Linking Generations, who have much experience and knowledge in this area, will work with PCSPs across Northern Ireland to provide training and guidance."

(IT/JP)