Other News In Brief

Police Officers Injured As Man Throws Flower Pots At Them

Two police officers have been injured after a wanted man threw flower pots at them.

The incident happened in Coalisland, County Tyrone on Thursday 02 May while officers attempted to apprehend a man who ran off when spotted.

Writing on the PSNI's Dungannon & South Tyrone Facebook page, an officer explained: "Runs into a house, crews close in, he's all set to go out the window but spots more cops, out another window and onto a roof, across the roofs and into gardens. Being closed down all the time he realises he's not escaping so resorts to throwing flower pots at the officers in pursuit.

"Despite one taking a pot to the head and another sustaining leg injuries officers restrained and arrested him.

"He's now in the cells for a whole host of offences and Coalisland is a safer place as a result. Great work by local residents in assisting us in catching this guy. The teamwork bit is the most satisfying side of it."

The officer who was hit on the head was patched up in hospital before returning to duty to complete paperwork, while the officer who sustained a leg injury remained in hospital for treatment.

NIFRS Mark Firefighters Memorial Day

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) has commemorated Firefighters Memorial Day with a ceremony in memory of fallen colleagues.

The occasion on Friday 03 May is an opportunity to recognise the sacrifice made by firefighters and pay tribute to those who died in the course of their duties.

At the service, held at the NIFRS headquarters, a reading of the Roll of Honour took place and a minute's silence was observed.

3D Animations Reveal First Look At Newtownabbey Play Areas

New 3D animations have been released, revealing a first look at two new play areas in Newtownabbey, Co Antrim.

The new areas will be built at Lilian Bland and Rathcoole Leisure Park, with work starting this spring ahead of completion by the end of the summer.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is investing £850,000 in the works, which will see a major extension and refurbishment of the popular park features.

The £450,000 Lilian Bland Community Park project includes the accessible play equipment, new basketball court and the incredible airplane themed attraction with its airport runway landscaping and control tower activity centre.

A Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) is also being relocated to the site of the current tennis courts.

The park is named after one of the Borough's most notable residents, Lilian Bland, who in 1910 became the first woman to build and fly a plane in the UK and Ireland after testing it at Carnmoney Hill.

The £400,000 Rathcoole Leisure Park scheme involves an extension to the current play area, new accessible play equipment, safety surfacing, fencing and street furniture.

Both areas can be viewed via innovative 3D videos.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Paul Michael said: "The play areas at Lilian Bland and Rathcoole are really shaping up to be something very special indeed.

"The parks have always been at the heart of the community and the new play areas will ensure they remain a valuable resource for everyone for years to come.
"These exciting upgrades will provide access for all and will hopefully encourage everyone, especially young people, to get active outdoors and enjoy the fabulous features the parks have to offer."

The video of the Lilian Bland play area can be accessed here.



(JG/CM)