Other News In Brief

Birmingham Games Baton Relay Team Visit Fane Street PS

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has joined the Birmingham Games Baton Relay Team in a visit to Fane Street Primary School in Belfast.

The Birmingham Games mascot 'Perry the Bull' also made an appearance as part of the Relay celebrations.

Minister Hargey said: "Sport has a tremendous role to play in promoting peace, respect and understanding across our communities.

"I hope that the children here today continue to participate and enjoy their sport and that they are inspired to compete at an international level.

"I also want to acknowledge the work of the Commonwealth Games staff and those who provide support to our athletes to excel in their field. I wish our local athletes every success in their competitions at the Birmingham Games. I recognise the hard work and commitment you have dedicated to your sport and I look forward to watching and supporting you in the games."

The Commonwealth Games are due to take place in Birmingham between 28 July and 8 August.

The Minister met with pupils who have been engaged with the Commonwealth Games NI (CGNI) and PeacePlayers sports programme, which uses sport to help build peace and equity. The Minister also heard first-hand about the cross community work that PeacePlayers takes forward and had the opportunity to meet CGNI support staff and some local athletes competing in the games next month.

DUP Calls On Other Parties To Condemn Attacks On War Memorial

The DUP has called on NI's other Parties to "step up and speak out" in condemnation of recent attacks to Moy War Memorial.

Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Deborah Erskine said that the latest attack took place on Sunday 26 June, and follows an incident two weeks ago when three individuals were arrested for criminal damage to the memorial.

Mrs Erskine stated: "I am calling on public representatives and those in the community to show leadership regarding the attacks of criminal damage that continue to occur in the town of Moy. Since the last incident of criminal damage, I not heard condemnation from Nationalist and Republican leaders condemning the incidents.

"Wreaths are being destroyed on a regular basis and indeed there have also been reports of people urinating against the war memorial. I would remind everyone, that the names of those inscribed on the War Memorial fought and died for the freedoms we enjoy today. People from all sections of our community, went to war for our civil and religious freedoms and we owe a debt of gratitude to them.

"I am dismayed that criminal damage has been allowed to continue in the community, without strong cross-party condemnation. The incidents have been nothing short of disgraceful, of which the local Royal British Legion have had to pick up the pieces after the reckless actions of some individuals.

"The Police have been investigating incidents. However they should not be happening in the first place and it is long past the time, for everyone, across the community to stand up and say – no more.

"I would urge anyone with information, to bring it forward to the PSNI."

Man Arrested Following Attempted Armed Robberies In Ormeau Park

A man, aged in his 20s, has been arrested in connection with a number of attempted robberies in Belfast's Ormeau park by a man armed with a Stanley Knife.

It is understood that a number of attempted robberies were reported to police on the evening of Monday, 27 June and involved people in the park being approached by a man who threatened them with a Stanley knife and demanded money.

There are no reports of anyone being injured in the incidents, but the PSNI have said that victims were "understandably left very shaken by the incident".

Police are appealing for further information and witnesses to these incidents,