SF Slams Anti-Social Behaviour In Downpatrick

Sinn Féin has hit out at recent anti-social behaviour in Downpatrick town.

Over recent days, there has been an upsurge in anti-social behaviour including a number of deliberate gorse fires as well as illegal fly tipping.

Condemning those responsible, South Down MLA Emma Rogan said: "Those behind this type of behaviour have no regard for life or limb and it's a relief that no one has been injured.

"An emergency inter-agency meeting has been arranged and Sinn Féin will be working with the statutory bodies in an effort to collectively tackle the scourge of anti-social behaviour.

"There is a small element that continue to engage in dangerous anti-social behaviour against the local community.

"I would appeal to parents to make it their business to ensure their children are not caught up in this type of activity."

Man Attacked In Paramilitary Style Assault

A man has been attacked in a paramilitary style assault in Belfast.

Police said the incident occurred in the Willowfield Street area of the city at around 5.30am on Sunday, 01 July.

"The male occupier of the house was in his back yard when he heard a banging noise on a window at the front of the property," a spokesperson said.

"He observed a man who he believed was trying to 'entice' him outside. When he opened his front door this man made off.

"Approximately an hour later there was a knock at his front door. When the occupier unlocked it, two men wearing balaclavas forced their way in and assaulted him. The man sustained scraped and bruises."

Police are appealing to anyone who noticed any suspicious activity or vehicles in the area between 5.30am and 6.30am on Sunday to contact them.

Dodds Calls For Clarity From EU Over British Citizens' Rights

The European Union must clarify how it will protect the rights of British citizens living across the continent once the UK leaves the EU, DUP MEP Diane Dodds has said.

Ms Dodds was speaking after the European Parliament's Brexit negotiator, Guy Verhofstadt, criticised the Government's plan to uphold the status of EU citizens in the UK.

She said: "The draft Withdrawal Agreement published in March and reiterated last month sends an important signal that the rights of citizens living in each other's communities after Brexit will be protected.

"The UK Government has since taken steps to clarify how these commitments will be honoured in practical terms, including through a new ID scheme. Sadly this spirit has not been reciprocated by the EU Member States.

"Mr Verhofstadt is content to dismiss the UK's operational approach to these issues as 'incomplete' all the while doing little to nothing to address the clear vacuum in action or advice for British citizens living across the EU. This is not good enough. Rather than attempting to dictate internal UK procedures the EU must make tangible strides toward fulfilling their own obligations.

"It is ironic that the EU chooses to stall on preparations for citizens rights despite agreement already being reached. This is in contrast to its insistence that commitments on the border be 'operationalised' even before a wider trade solution can be discussed. Ultimately progress can be achieved but only through both sides acting in good faith," Mrs Dodds concluded.

(LM)