Two Released On Bail In Dungannon Murder Investigation

A 33-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman, who were arrested in connection with the murder of 71-year-old Adam Krzan in Dungannon on 27th February, have been released on bail pending further police enquiries.

Police are continuing to appeal for information regarding the incident. Anyone who has not yet contacted the police and has information is asked to call 101, quoting reference number 1576 27/02/25.

Photos and footage, including CCTV, mobile phone, or dashcam footage, can be shared with police through the Major Incident Public Portal at mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI25U05-PO1.

Reports can also be made using the online reporting form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

SDLP Launch Plan To Address Pressure On Ambulance Service

The SDLP has launched a plan to tackle the increasing pressure on the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and hospital emergency departments (EDs).

Entitled 'Help Can't Wait' – it includes proposals which look at replicating the success of the W45 policy used by the London Ambulance Service which seeks to ensure a 45-minute handover period of patients by the ambulance service when arriving at hospitals.

SDLP Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA recently visited the London Ambulance Service and St Thomas' Hospital to see the policy in action.

South Down MLA Mr McGrath said: "Despite the best efforts of our hardworking health and ambulance staff it has been clear for some time now that services are at breaking point. Images of ambulances lined up outside emergency departments have become common place, alongside stories from families who have spent hours waiting for an ambulance while their loved one was in extreme pain. We have even heard of people sadly passing away before an ambulance was able to reach them.

"The SDLP has repeatedly pressed the Executive to deal with these issues and implement the transformation needed to overhaul our health service – but unfortunately we have seen very little in the way of action. Put simply, someone experiencing a health emergency, whether at home or at an ED, can't afford to wait and this is happening all too often at the minute.

"In the absence of Executive intervention, I have been working on alternative proposals to address the issues within the ambulance service and EDs and release some pressure on these services. Last month I travelled to London to meet with the London Ambulance Service and St Thomas' Hospital to see their W45 policy in action and I was blown away with what I saw. This system allows ambulance staff to hand patients over within 45 minutes, ensuring patients get the care they need and ambulances can get back out and respond to others in need of emergency treatment. There's no reason we can't do this here.

"Following this work we have produced a number of proposals around implementing the W45 policy that would make major changes to healthcare in the North. By making the most of our existing staff, changing the way we work and investing modestly in recruitment we can reduce handover times by 50%, freeing up 60,000 operational hours. This would result in a better experience for both patients and staff and allow for some much-needed breathing room as our health service gets back on its feet.

"The SDLP Opposition wants to work constructively with the Health Minister to make these changes happen for the betterment of everyone in the North. This isn't about blame or pointing the finger, it's about delivering improved services for our people. Help can't wait – and the Executive shouldn't either."

Alliance Raise Concerns Over Potential Closure Of Connswater Shopping Centre

The Alliance party has expressed its concern at the potential closure of the Connswater Shopping Centre in east Belfast.

Following the news, East Belfast representative Peter McReynolds MLA said: "I am concerned to have received the news that the sale of Connswater Shopping Centre, situated in my own constituency of East Belfast, is being looked into.

"Shopping centres serve as vital spaces for local communities, not only can they enhance the local economy but they also provide essential services and amenities to residents.

"Connswater is located at the heart of East Belfast, and provides jobs and opportunities for local residents. This news will have been a blow to the tenants whose businesses are within the shopping centre, and the many local residents who rely on their services.

"Alliance has reached out to Connswater to see how the process is being handled, and to ensure that any future decisions minimise staff disruption."

Titanic Councillor Fiona McAteer added: "Connswater holds many cherished memories for the residents of East Belfast, and it’s unfortunate to see it closing, resulting in job losses for many people.

"I hope that in the future the shopping centre can be repurposed to create local jobs and opportunities, and become a hub where residents can shop and spend time together."