Food Delivery Driver Escapes Serious Injury in Creggan Arson Attack

Detectives in L'Derry are investigating an overnight incident in Creggan where a food delivery driver narrowly escaped serious injury after his car was set on fire. The attack occurred at approximately 2:10am on Tuesday, 10 June.

Police received a report that as the driver left Rinmore Drive, he was flagged down by a male. Upon opening his car door, the assailant lit an object and threw it into the vehicle before fleeing the scene. The quick-thinking driver managed to exit the car as it ignited and make his way to safety.

The vehicle was completely destroyed by the fire, and the driver sustained burn injuries to his hand, for which he received hospital treatment.

Detective Inspector Gingell condemned the incident: "This was a reckless attack and it's sheer fortune the victim was able to get out of the car and make his way to safety."

The male suspect is described as being around 5'6" to 5'7" tall, of medium build, and was wearing a dark-coloured hooded top with his face covered.

Detectives are appealing for anyone who was in the Rinmore Drive area around 2:00am on Tuesday and witnessed what happened to come forward. They are particularly keen to hear from anyone with CCTV, doorbell, or dash cam footage that may be relevant to the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference 84 of 10/06/25. Reports can also be made online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

NI Pensioners Must Not Be Left Behind On Winter Fuel Payments

Alliance Communities spokesperson Sian Mulholland has welcomed the UK Government's U-turn on Winter Fuel Payments, emphasising that the Northern Ireland Communities Minister must act urgently to ensure local pensioners are not disadvantaged.

The change, announced by the Chancellor on Monday, 9th June, will see pensioners in England and Wales with an annual income of £35,000 or below become eligible for the payment, covering more than three-quarters of all pensioners. This reverses a decision made last July, which restricted eligibility to those receiving Pension Credit and other means-tested benefits.

The North Antrim MLA stated: "Having heard many of the often heartbreaking testimonies of those older and more vulnerable people who were hit hardest by the changes to winter fuel payments proposed by this UK Government last year, this change in course will be incredibly welcome."

She continued: "Whilst I'm glad their voices were heard on this, we must now ensure our own pensioners here in Northern Ireland are not left behind." Mulholland stressed that the Communities Minister has a "duty to explore the possibilities associated with bringing in a comparable uplift for those in NI who have bore the brunt of previous cuts." She confirmed she has submitted a written question to the Minister "asking for detail around how he intends to do so, and look forward to further clarity on this."

"No one should be forced to choose between heating and eating," Mulholland added, reaffirming Alliance's commitment to "advocating for the most vulnerable in our society" and working towards "solutions that provide essential support for all who need it."

West Belfast MP To Confront Phone Companies In London Over Poor Signal

Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey is travelling to London on Wednesday to meet directly with phone companies in a bid to improve mobile signal across West Belfast. The visit follows a recent survey conducted by Sinn Féin, which garnered over 2,600 responses and highlighted extensive mobile coverage blackspots throughout the constituency.

"For too long, people in west Belfast have had to deal with poor phone signal and weak connectivity," said the West Belfast MP. He stressed the necessity of reliable mobile connectivity, stating: "Reliable phone signal is not a luxury — it's essential for work, safety, emergencies, and staying connected with family and friends."

Mr Maskey will use the meeting to "demand action to improve signal in our community," arguing that "investment is needed to upgrade infrastructure in areas that have been left behind."

The survey results, which found that 87% of respondents described their phone signal as poor or very poor, with only 3% rating it good or excellent, underline the scale of the problem. Frequent dropped calls were reported by a staggering 83% of respondents, with over half struggling with signal everywhere. Areas like Glen Road, Turf Lodge, and Andersonstown were identified as particularly affected.

Sinn Féin has been actively campaigning on this issue, with the matter also debated in the Northern Ireland Assembly last month. Local representatives have highlighted concerns about the impact on healthcare access, work, education, and personal safety, with residents reporting missed emergency updates and critical appointments due to unreliable signal.

In addition to infrastructure upgrades, the issue of deliberate attacks on mobile phone masts in West Belfast has also contributed to the poor signal. Recent incidents, including an arson attack on a 5G mast in the Springbank Industrial Estate just last Saturday, have significantly impacted local network coverage and capacity. Network providers and infrastructure owners, such as Cornerstone, are working to repair damaged masts and improve service, while also emphasising that there are no established health risks associated with mobile phone base stations.

Mr Maskey affirmed that Sinn Féin "will continue to campaign for better connectivity and deliver the services our community deserves."