SF MP Condemns Latest Arson Attack on West Belfast Phone Mast

Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey has strongly condemned the latest arson attack targeting a phone mast in west Belfast.

The West Belfast MP voiced his dismay at the incident: "This wanton destruction, fuelled by inaccuracies and misconceptions, is damaging vital infrastructure in our community."

Mr Maskey highlighted a pattern of such behaviour, warning of its severe consequences. "This is the latest in a series of reckless attacks, resulting in poor connectivity, risking public safety and lives," he said.

He called for decisive action from law enforcement. "It’s time for the PSNI to step up and ensure those responsible for this ludicrous behaviour are brought to justice before even more damage is inflicted on vital services."

Paul Maskey affirmed his ongoing commitment to addressing connectivity issues in the area, concluding: "I will continue working to improve phone signal in west Belfast."

DUP Slam Justice Minister Over 'Damning' CJI Report Inaction

DUP MLA Joanne Bunting has criticised the Justice Minister, Naomi Long, over what she describes as a lack of action following the publication of a damning report into the leadership and direction of the Department of Justice by the Criminal Justice Inspectorate (CJI). Ms Bunting's comments raise questions regarding the Minister's perceived failure to act and the absence of clear plans for systemic improvement.

Joanne Bunting, who chairs the Assembly Justice Committee, stated: "The Criminal Justice Inspection report of November 2024 is brutal in its conclusions. It describes a justice system that is stagnant, rudderless and operating without an agreed vision or coordinated priorities."

Ms Bunting asserted that the issues go beyond mere policy drift. "This is not just a case of policy drift but a clear failure of leadership at the very top. The report found that key players across the justice system echoed long-standing concerns in informal feedback to the Chief Inspector. If those inside the system knew what was wrong, how is it that the Minister did not? And if she did know, the question becomes even more pertinent - why did Naomi Long not act?"

Seven months on from the report's publication, the DUP MLA expressed frustration over the continued lack of clarity. "We are now seven months on from the publication of that report, yet there is still no clarity on what short-term actions are being taken to get the system moving in the right direction. Where is the plan? What steps are being taken? The silence from the Department of Justice is deafening."

Ms Bunting argued that the current system is failing multiple stakeholders. "Victims, witnesses, defendants, and justice staff are all being let down by a system that has lacked meaningful progress since the devolution of policing and justice a decade ago. Successive Justice Ministers, Alliance and Independent alike, have failed to break down silos or deliver a joined-up strategy."

She concluded by calling for substantive change: "Northern Ireland does not need more legislative window-dressing. We need a Department that leads, coordinates and delivers real change. The public expect justice that is fair, fast and functional, not just a Minister going through the motions."

Man Arrested in Moygashel Following Knife Incident

Dungannon, Northern Ireland – Police in Dungannon have arrested a 51-year-old man following reports of a man armed with a knife in Moygashel on Sunday, 29 June 2025.

Shortly before 21:10, officers received a report that a man, believed to be in possession of a large kitchen knife, had smashed the windows of a vehicle in the Roskeen Close area.

Local officers, supported by Armed Response officers, quickly attended the scene. A man was removed from a nearby address and subsequently arrested on suspicion of offences, including criminal damage and possession of an article with a blade or point in a public place.

The suspect currently remains in police custody.

Police enquiries are ongoing into the incident. Anyone with information, including dashcam, doorbell, or any other video footage, is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1561 29/6/25.

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

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/