Other News In Brief

Police Investigate Road-Related Incident In South Belfast

Police are investigating a road-related incident in the University Street area of south Belfast on Sunday, 23 February.

At approximately 4:30 pm, a verbal altercation is believed to have taken place at the Ormeau Road junction between the rider of a dark-coloured motorbike and a woman driving a black Renault Clio.

Inspector Edgar said: "We are examining the circumstances surrounding a verbal altercation between the rider of a dark-coloured motorbike, and a woman who was driving a black Renault Clio. We're keen to speak with anyone who may have been in the area at the time, and noticed what happened or who has dash-cam, CCTV or other footage of the vehicles, to get in contact with police on 101, quoting reference number 1278 23/02/25."

Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or has dash-cam, CCTV, or other footage to contact them on 101, quoting reference number 1278 of 23/02/25.

Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

Assembly Backs SDLP Motion On Protection For Private Renters

The SDLP has welcomed Assembly support for Mark H Durkan's motion calling for the protection of private renters.

The SDLP successfully introduced an amendment calling for a review of standards and enforcement, legislation to extend the threatened with homelessness window and the introduction of a grant to help people bridge the gap between Local Housing Allowance and the cost of rental properties. Foyle MLA Mr Durkan said: "Reliance on the Private Rental Sector here has grown massively as the Executive continues to fail to meet even its unambitious targets to deliver social and affordable housing. Rising demand has aligned with rising costs and seen rents spiral beyond the reach of many. Coupled with young families finding it harder and harder to get on the housing ladder – we are in the middle of a serious housing crisis.

"All parties joined us in the call for fairness to protect people in the precarious position as private renters at the whim of rent increases, the possibility of arrears and the ugly spectre of eviction and homelessness. The least private renters in the North deserve is the same protections as those in other parts of these islands and nobody should be subject to eviction at short notice. This outdated policy has directly contributed to the rise in homelessness in recent years.

"While it's good to hear Executive parties recognise the problems, we need to see action from them to address them. Instead of bringing motion after motion on issues within their power, they should get around the Executive table and introduce the proposals backed by the Assembly."

Police Appeal For Information After Car Pursuit In Dunmurry

Police are appealing for information following a car pursuit that began near Glenside Road in Dunmurry on Monday night, February 24th.

At around 10:20 pm, officers observed a silver Seat Ibiza acting suspiciously. When they attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver fled towards Lenadoon, leading to a short pursuit.

The car was later found abandoned in the Creeslough Park area, the driver having made off on foot. The Seat Ibiza, suspected to be stolen, has been recovered by police.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1795 of 24/02/25. Reports can also be submitted online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.