Controlled Explosion In Coleraine Follows Suspected WW2 Bomb Find

A suspected World War Two bomb was discovered on Wednesday, 26 November 2025, in the vicinity of Laurel Hill Road in Coleraine, prompting a swift response from police.

The discovery was reported shortly after 9.45am. Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO) were immediately tasked to the scene and successfully carried out a controlled explosion to safely deal with the device. Police confirmed that, despite the nature of the discovery, no homes in the area required evacuation during the incident. The operation was concluded without further issues.

Fifth Electrical Switchgear Academy Launched In North West

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has welcomed the launch of the fifth Electrical Switchgear Academy in the north west, delivered in partnership with Vertiv and fully funded by the Department for the Economy.

This opportunity aims to boost skills in the electrical switchgear sector, with 16 participants set to undertake eight weeks of intensive pre-employment training. The programme, which runs from 2 February to 27 March 2026, involves five weeks of training at North West Regional College (NWRC) and three weeks of on-site experience at Vertiv in Derry~Londonderry.

Participants will work towards a Level 2 entry-level qualification in Electrical Installation (EAL). Minister Archibald said she was delighted with Vertiv’s continuing commitment to the north west, describing the Academy as an excellent opportunity for those looking to reskill or start their career, as no prior experience is required. Leo Murphy, Principal and Chief Executive of NWRC, confirmed that the Assured Skills Academy guarantees at least a job interview for those who complete the training for a Junior Panel Wirer position at Vertiv’s Derry~Londonderry site. Successful applicants will receive a £180 (one hundred and eighty pounds) per week training allowance, plus travel and childcare expenses (if eligible). Applications are now open and close at noon on 29 December 2025.

Police Appeal For Witnesses After Omagh Road Collision

Police are appealing for witnesses following a road traffic collision in the Curr Road area of Omagh in the early hours of Wednesday, 26 November 2025. Chief Inspector Fallis reported that officers on patrol in Ballygawley at approximately 1.45am detected a red Honda Civic and a Volkswagen Golf driving at high speed and in an erratic manner towards Omagh.

Police subsequently observed both vehicles stopped at a retail premises on the same road. When officers attempted to speak to the drivers, the driver of the Honda Civic made off. The police followed the vehicle and observed it colliding with a grass verge and crashing a short time later.

Northern Ireland Ambulance Service colleagues attended the scene and treated the driver for injuries, which are not being described as serious at this time. Chief Inspector Fallis confirmed that both drivers, two 19-year-old men, were cautioned for driving-related offences.

The Chief Inspector is appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the erratic driving or has dash-cam or other video footage to contact police on 101, quoting reference 53 26/11/25. The road was closed for several hours but has since reopened.