01/09/2025
Other News In Brief
Police Appeal Following Masked Me Incident In Ards
Police are appealing for information following a report of a group of masked men in Newtownards on Saturday, 30 August.
Shortly before 11.35pm, a resident in the Lansdowne Avenue area was alerted by their security light and, upon checking, discovered the men in their rear garden.
According to Detective Sergeant Westbury, the men fled when they realised they had been seen. While no entry was gained to the property, the incident was described as a "terrifying experience" for the residents.
Police are keen to speak with anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious behaviour in the area. They are also asking for any dash-cam footage from the Lansdowne Avenue area recorded between 11.30pm and 11.40pm.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference 1765 of 30/08/25. You can also report online or anonymously via Crimestoppers.
UDA Intimidation of Catholic Families 'Unacceptable'
Sinn Féin MP John Finucane has branded the reported intimidation of Catholic families by the UDA in North Belfast as "outrageous and totally unacceptable".
The North Belfast MP called for a united political response to the sectarian intimidation, saying all political parties and agencies must "stand together, face it down, and provide full support to the victims."
He added that Sinn Féin will be seeking an urgent meeting with police to discuss the issue.
New £100,000 Fund To Assist Bands With Travel Costs
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced £100,000 in funding for the Travel Awards for Bands Programme.
East Belfast DUP MLA David Brooks praised the new funding stream as a way to provide "real and practical assistance" to bands, many of which face significant travel costs when performing outside of Northern Ireland.
Mr Brooks said the DUP is committed to promoting cultural traditions, noting that marching bands have often been overlooked as part of the arts sector. He added that the new fund, along with other programmes like the Musical Instruments Programme, will help maintain and enhance the vibrant cultural landscape for future generations.
Police are appealing for information following a report of a group of masked men in Newtownards on Saturday, 30 August.
Shortly before 11.35pm, a resident in the Lansdowne Avenue area was alerted by their security light and, upon checking, discovered the men in their rear garden.
According to Detective Sergeant Westbury, the men fled when they realised they had been seen. While no entry was gained to the property, the incident was described as a "terrifying experience" for the residents.
Police are keen to speak with anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious behaviour in the area. They are also asking for any dash-cam footage from the Lansdowne Avenue area recorded between 11.30pm and 11.40pm.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference 1765 of 30/08/25. You can also report online or anonymously via Crimestoppers.
UDA Intimidation of Catholic Families 'Unacceptable'
The North Belfast MP called for a united political response to the sectarian intimidation, saying all political parties and agencies must "stand together, face it down, and provide full support to the victims."
He added that Sinn Féin will be seeking an urgent meeting with police to discuss the issue.
New £100,000 Fund To Assist Bands With Travel Costs
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced £100,000 in funding for the Travel Awards for Bands Programme.
East Belfast DUP MLA David Brooks praised the new funding stream as a way to provide "real and practical assistance" to bands, many of which face significant travel costs when performing outside of Northern Ireland.
Mr Brooks said the DUP is committed to promoting cultural traditions, noting that marching bands have often been overlooked as part of the arts sector. He added that the new fund, along with other programmes like the Musical Instruments Programme, will help maintain and enhance the vibrant cultural landscape for future generations.
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23 June 2016
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
18 April 2002
Dodds announces extra help for “most needy" in society
The Minister for Social Development, Nigel Dodds, has announced a further £1.73 million cash injection for the Northern Ireland Social fund. The increase brings the Social Fund, which helps the most needy people in society up to a total to £51 million for the next year.
Dodds announces extra help for “most needy" in society
The Minister for Social Development, Nigel Dodds, has announced a further £1.73 million cash injection for the Northern Ireland Social fund. The increase brings the Social Fund, which helps the most needy people in society up to a total to £51 million for the next year.
02 April 2002
Trimble praises work of Northern Ireland Police Fund
Northern Ireland First Minister David Trimble has paid a visit to the offices of the Northern Ireland Police Fund which was set up to provide support for disabled police officers as well as for the families of murdered police officers.
Trimble praises work of Northern Ireland Police Fund
Northern Ireland First Minister David Trimble has paid a visit to the offices of the Northern Ireland Police Fund which was set up to provide support for disabled police officers as well as for the families of murdered police officers.
29 August 2025
New £100,000 Fund To Help Northern Ireland Bands Travel
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has confirmed £100,000 in funding for a new programme that will support bands to play at showcase opportunities outside Northern Ireland.
New £100,000 Fund To Help Northern Ireland Bands Travel
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has confirmed £100,000 in funding for a new programme that will support bands to play at showcase opportunities outside Northern Ireland.
01 June 2005
Government give go-ahead for John Lewis development
The Government has confirmed that leading retailer John Lewis is to open up its first Northern Ireland store at Sprucefield Park, near Lisburn.
Government give go-ahead for John Lewis development
The Government has confirmed that leading retailer John Lewis is to open up its first Northern Ireland store at Sprucefield Park, near Lisburn.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.