Burglars Scared Off In County Armagh Attempted Break-In

A video has emerged online showing two men attempting to break into a house in County Armagh, before being forced to flee the scene by the 84-year-old resident.

The victim is understood to have fought off the would-be burglars in Bessbrook on Friday evening, 16 November.

Footage taken from security cameras in the doorway of the house was posted on the Bessbrook Community Residents Association Facebook page, in the hope that the culprits will be identified.

The two trespassers, one wearing a hoodie and the other in a dark hat, can be seen using what appears to be a screwdriver to gain entry to the property.

They snuck into the house but were chased out again by an unseen person within seconds.

Both males attempted to enter the house again, but were scared off for a second time and did not return.

The intruders didn't manage to take anything in the incident.

Police are currently investigating.

MEP Martina Anderson Condemns Discrimination Of Trans Community

Sinn Fein MEP Martina Anderson has condemned discrimination against members of the transgender community, and said there is no place for it in society.

"This is international human rights week in the European Parliament and today also marks Transgender Day of Remembrance," she said in a statement, before highlighting that most transphobic crime goes unreported and is reflected in the "alarmingly high" rates of suicide in self harm in the LGBTQ+ community.

"One way to tackle this problem is to ensure that all people are equal in the eyes of the law. Those who continue to block marriage equality are perpetuating inequality and discrimination. 

"The EU needs to take action too and I welcome moves to bring a motion to the European Parliament dedicated to the human rights of intersex people.

"Inequality and discrimination cannot be tolerated and it is important that we send a message to those who are preventing equality that it is unacceptable."

Sinn Fein Lose Challenge Over Sale Of Raymond McCreesh Park

Sinn Fein has lost its petition to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to reconsider the sale of McCreesh Park in Newry.

The play park has been a site of controversy since it was renamed in tribute to the former IRA man Raymond McCreesh in 2001.

Unionists and IRA victims have repeatedly called for the name to be changed.

The council announced last month that it would be selling the park, a decision challenged by Sinn Fein, who called for a community consultation on the matter.

On Monday 19 November, the council published legal advice that said the extensive consultation and analytical work in relation to the issue did not indicate that an adverse impact would result if the facility was sold.