Man Dies Following Scrambler Collision in Newtownards

The PSNI has confirmed that a man has died following a road traffic collision involving a scrambler on the Comber Road, Newtownards, on Monday, 30 June 2025.

He has been identified as 34-year-old Peter Kelly from the Newtownards area.

Inspector Cherith Adair of the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Collision Investigation Unit stated: “Around 19:25, we received a report of a single vehicle road traffic collision involving a scrambler. The rider of the scrambler sadly died as a result of injuries sustained."

The Comber Road, which was closed for several hours to allow for investigation, has since reopened to traffic.

Enquiries are continuing into the circumstances surrounding the collision. Police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have dashcam or other footage that could assist with their investigation, to contact Collision Investigation Unit detectives via 101, quoting reference number 1558 of 30/06/25.

New Assured Skills Welding Academy Launched

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has announced a further Assured Skills Collaborative Welding Academy at South West College (SWC), aiming to address the high demand for skilled welders in the region's engineering and manufacturing sector.

Funded by the Department for the Economy, SWC is offering a fully supported opportunity for 12 individuals to receive industry-standard welding training. This programme is specifically designed to equip participants with the necessary skills for potential welding roles with companies located in Dungannon and the surrounding local area.

Encouraging applications, Minister Archibald stated: “The engineering and manufacturing sector is hugely important to our local economy. There is clearly a high demand within this sector for people with welding skills, as demonstrated by the number of local companies once again supporting this Academy. By equipping people with the skills needed, through an industry-recognised qualification, this Academy will position them very strongly to kick-start a new career in a much sought after occupation. With no previous experience in welding required and a £180 weekly training allowance for the duration of the Academy as well as help with travelling and childcare costs I would urge anyone who is interested to apply.”

Successful applicants will embark on a six-week intensive training course, delivered by SWC at their dedicated training facility in Cookstown. The curriculum includes ETCAL Level 2 Performing Engineering Operations and Certified Abrasive Wheels Training. Additionally, an Introduction to Robotic Welding (Valk) is being offered to all participants interested in gaining skills to set up and operate a robot for basic welding tasks.

Eligible candidates will be invited to an Information Session and Interview during the week commencing Monday, 4 August 2025, at SWC's Cookstown Campus. The Academy itself will run from Wednesday, 20 August, to Tuesday, 30 September 2025.

Alliance Councillor Expresses Shock Over Murder In Donaghadee

Alliance Councillor John Hennessy has expressed profound shock following the suspected murder of a 27-year-old woman in Donaghadee.

"This is a devastating incident and our local community is in complete shock," Councillor Hennessy, who represents the Donaghadee area on Ards and North Down Borough Council, said.

He extended his deepest sympathies to the victim's loved ones, particularly her children. "My thoughts go out to Sarah’s family and loved ones, especially her children."

Councillor Hennessy also issued a direct appeal to the public for assistance with the ongoing police inquiry. "I urge anyone who has information on this incident to contact police with it immediately."