26/01/2026
Police Arrest Woman In West Belfast Illegal Lending Probe
Detectives from the PSNI's Predatory Lending Team carried out an arrest in West Belfast on Friday, 23 January. A 50-year-old woman was taken into custody on suspicion of illegal money lending and related criminal activity. She has since been released on bail as officers continue their enquiries.
The specialist team, comprised of dedicated detectives, focuses specifically on dismantling illegal lending networks and providing protection for those targeted by such schemes.
Commenting on the impact of these crimes, Detective Inspector Cathy O'Hara, said: "Illegal money lenders exploit vulnerable people in Northern Ireland's most marginalised communities. It is completely false to claim that they are providing a community service." She further added: "Our Predatory Lending Team is a dedicated team of detectives whose job it is to take action against illegal lenders, and to support and safeguard victims."
The PSNI is urging anyone with relevant information or individuals seeking confidential guidance regarding illegal debts to get in touch. The Predatory Lending Team can be reached directly at 028 9070 0563 or via email at predatorylending@psni.police.uk.
For those who wish to remain anonymous, reports can be filed through the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or by visiting their website at www.crimestoppers.uk.org.
You can find further information on illegal money lending and support agencies here - www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/advice-and-information/illegal-money-lending
The specialist team, comprised of dedicated detectives, focuses specifically on dismantling illegal lending networks and providing protection for those targeted by such schemes.
Commenting on the impact of these crimes, Detective Inspector Cathy O'Hara, said: "Illegal money lenders exploit vulnerable people in Northern Ireland's most marginalised communities. It is completely false to claim that they are providing a community service." She further added: "Our Predatory Lending Team is a dedicated team of detectives whose job it is to take action against illegal lenders, and to support and safeguard victims."
The PSNI is urging anyone with relevant information or individuals seeking confidential guidance regarding illegal debts to get in touch. The Predatory Lending Team can be reached directly at 028 9070 0563 or via email at predatorylending@psni.police.uk.
For those who wish to remain anonymous, reports can be filed through the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or by visiting their website at www.crimestoppers.uk.org.
You can find further information on illegal money lending and support agencies here - www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/advice-and-information/illegal-money-lending
Latest Northern Ireland News
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Met Office Issues Severe Weather Alerts As Storm Chandra Hits NI
Northern Ireland is bracing for significant travel disruption and hazardous conditions as Storm Chandra tracks across the region on Tuesday, 27 January. The Met Office has updated its weather alerts, introducing an amber warning for wind alongside a widespread yellow warning for both wind and rain.
Met Office Issues Severe Weather Alerts As Storm Chandra Hits NI
Northern Ireland is bracing for significant travel disruption and hazardous conditions as Storm Chandra tracks across the region on Tuesday, 27 January. The Met Office has updated its weather alerts, introducing an amber warning for wind alongside a widespread yellow warning for both wind and rain.
26 January 2026
NIFRS Reports Highest House Fire Death Toll In 25 Years
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has revealed that 2025 saw 16 house fire fatalities, the highest number recorded in a single year since 1999. The alarming statistics have prompted an immediate call for the public to check on vulnerable neighbours and relatives.
NIFRS Reports Highest House Fire Death Toll In 25 Years
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has revealed that 2025 saw 16 house fire fatalities, the highest number recorded in a single year since 1999. The alarming statistics have prompted an immediate call for the public to check on vulnerable neighbours and relatives.
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Final Call For Public Input On £100m 'Belfast Stories' Project
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Landmark £50m Investment Unveiled For Ulster Folk Museum
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Power NI Announces Sponsorship Of Green Flag Award Programme
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Power NI Announces Sponsorship Of Green Flag Award Programme
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Advanced Works Kick Off For £60m Portadown Flood Protection Project
Preparatory works for the £60 million Portadown Flood Alleviation Scheme are officially moving forward, with site clearance and advanced engineering tasks commencing on Saturday 24 January 2026. This initial stage of Phase 1 involves essential service diversions and the removal of specific trees and vegetation.
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Preparatory works for the £60 million Portadown Flood Alleviation Scheme are officially moving forward, with site clearance and advanced engineering tasks commencing on Saturday 24 January 2026. This initial stage of Phase 1 involves essential service diversions and the removal of specific trees and vegetation.
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Hospitality Sector Faces 'Cliff Edge' Over Proposed Rates Hike
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The future of Northern Ireland's hospitality industry is under threat following the publication of the draft Reval 2026 non-domestic rates valuations. The latest figures show an average increase of 63% for hotels, with pubs also expected to shoulder a significantly heavier rates burden.
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Belfast Jobs Fair To Launch New Apprenticeship Pathway
Belfast City Council has joined forces with the Department for Communities, the Department for the Economy, and the Belfast Labour Market Partnership to introduce the JobStart Apprenticeship Pathway. This new programme is designed to connect local jobseekers with paid employment opportunities that lead directly into formal apprenticeships.
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26 January 2026
Police Arrest Woman In West Belfast Illegal Lending Probe
Detectives from the PSNI's Predatory Lending Team carried out an arrest in West Belfast on Friday, 23 January. A 50-year-old woman was taken into custody on suspicion of illegal money lending and related criminal activity. She has since been released on bail as officers continue their enquiries.
Police Arrest Woman In West Belfast Illegal Lending Probe
Detectives from the PSNI's Predatory Lending Team carried out an arrest in West Belfast on Friday, 23 January. A 50-year-old woman was taken into custody on suspicion of illegal money lending and related criminal activity. She has since been released on bail as officers continue their enquiries.
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Sinn Féin Announces Panellists for 'New Ireland' Health Discussion
Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey has confirmed the speaker line-up for an upcoming public event in Belfast titled 'Building a World Class Health System in a New Ireland'. The discussion, scheduled for Thursday 12 February, aims to examine the structure and benefits of a unified healthcare model across the island.
Sinn Féin Announces Panellists for 'New Ireland' Health Discussion
Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey has confirmed the speaker line-up for an upcoming public event in Belfast titled 'Building a World Class Health System in a New Ireland'. The discussion, scheduled for Thursday 12 February, aims to examine the structure and benefits of a unified healthcare model across the island.
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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.

