Three Men Arrested Following Serious Incident In West Belfast

Three men have been arrested following an incident in west Belfast this morning, Friday 09 February.

At around 4.55am this morning, it was reported that three men, armed with knives and wooden bats, were causing a disturbance at a house in the Whitecliff Crescent area. Damage was caused to a car and threats to kill were made to a person inside the house.

Officers attended the scene and arrested three men, all aged in their 30s. They remain in police custody at this time.

Chief Inspector Claire Hamilton, Area Commander for west Belfast said: "Given the nature of the report and the risk of harm to the community and attending officers, specially trained officers were requested to attend. During the arrest of one of the men, an Attenuating Energy Projectile (AEP) was deployed. As is normal procedure, the office of the Police Ombudsman has been informed following the use of the AEP.

"Enquiries are continuing and police would appeal to anyone with any information in relation to the incident, to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 146 of 09/02/24.

"A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form here, or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or online here."

DUP Calls For Collaborative Approach To Tackling Drugs In NI Prisons

The DUP has called for a more collaborative approach to tackling the supply of illicit drugs in Northern Ireland's prisons.

Responding to the findings of an independent review of progress at Magilligan, which was published by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) on Thursday, DUP East Belfast MLA and Chair of the Assembly's Justice Committee Joanne Bunting, said: "While there a clear need to ramp up efforts to disrupt both supply and demand for drugs within our prison population, responsibility for delivering better outcomes should not rest solely on the shoulders of the Northern Ireland Prison Service.

"South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT) provides all prison health care services locally and this report was critical of 'gaps' in communication and collaboration between NIPS and the Trust. It is crucial that those issues are addressed as a priority.

"I understand that in the past there has been a lack of available HSC staff to supervise the allocation of medicines. Given the need for patient confidentiality there are also limitations on what information prison staff receive and when they receive it. All of this places NIPS in an extremely difficult position as those on the frontline either lack the resources, training or powers to tackle the diversion of medicines at source.

"Ultimately we need to see a joined-up approach to addressing this harm so prisoners with or without pre-existing substance addictions are better protected whilst serving their sentences. This requires buy-in from all health and justice partners as well as adequate resources.

"If that whole system approach is not in place, then these concerns will never be adequately addressed. There is now an onus on the Minister of Justice to get to grips with this system, provide oversight and ensure that all stakeholders pull in the same direction going forward."

Infrastructure Minister Announces New Toomebridge Active Travel Scheme

Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced a new £320,000 active travel scheme in Toomebridge, in his first official action since the Executive reformed this week.

The scheme, on the Shore Road/Main Street, will involve the construction of a shared footway for 430 metres from the 30mph speed limit on the Shore Road and finish at the Toucan crossing at St Oliver Plunkett's Primary School on the Main Street, Toomebridge.

Minister O'Dowd said: "Walking and cycling are good for our physical and mental health and for the environment and as Minister I am keen to increase opportunities for active travel. This investment in a new shared cycleway - footway in Toomebridge will enhance provision for cyclists and pedestrians in the area including children, staff and parents attending the nearby St Oliver Plunkett's Primary School.

"I would like to thank the travelling public and local residents in advance for their cooperation while the works are underway."

To facilitate the safe delivery of the scheme it will be necessary to implement a lane closure on Main Street (9:30am to 4:30pm weekday) and on Shore Road (8:00am to 6:00pm weekdays). The period will be from Monday 12 February to Friday 29 March 2024 and these closures will run consecutively.

The Department has programmed the work operations and traffic management arrangements to minimise inconvenience, however, road users should expect some delays and are advised to allow additional time when travelling in the vicinity of the works and are asked to comply with all temporary traffic restrictions.

Subject to favourable weather conditions all work will be completed by 28 April 2024.