NI News In Brief

Northern Bank Mystery 'Solved'

The long-running search for the missing millions in Northern Bank notes apparently stolen by the IRA from the company's Belfast city centre headquarters in December 2004 could be over, as many millions of Northern Ireland bank notes have now turned up. However, police are unlikely to be investigating, as it also emerged today that a new Belfast edition of the board game 'Monopoly' is being launched, featuring many of the city's landmarks - and also specially produced Northern banknotes.



Pensioners Targeted

There have been two robberies in south Belfast's 'Holy Lands' area. Two elderly women were the victims at their homes in Agincourt Avenue - one had a diamond brooch stolen by three men who threatened to set her house on fire while the other, who lives a few doors away, was also targeted. The attacks both took place last night, within minutes of each other. Both ladies were pushed around, and threatened.



Man Robbed In His Home

Two men, wearing black clothes and leather gloves, entered a house at Crosscollyer Street in north Belfast at around 10pm last night. The householder, who is in his 70s, was threatened and a coat containing cash and various plastic cards was stolen. Police say the man was shaken by his ordeal.



Man Shot

A 31-year-old Co Antrim man has been shot in the right leg in an incident in Monkstown. The shooting happened last night in the Tynan Close area where the victim was approached by the two men who carried out the attack. Reports said his injuries are not believed to be life threatening and police are investigating.



Register To Vote: Or Else!

Northern Ireland's Chief Electoral Officer is to refer 50 people who have failed to sign the voting register to the police. Douglas Bain said he is determined to stop those who fail to comply with the law. He said failure to provide the required details was punishable by a £1,000 fine. The warning comes along with other plans to increase voter registration. Mr Bain said thousands of new voters should be added to the register by December.



Londonderry Air To Come Alive

The Maiden City Festival in Londonderry is to be revived this year. The cultural event is performed by the Apprentice Boys of Derry and re-enacts the city's famous siege. For the past two years it has been cancelled due to a lack of funding but this year the Irish Government and the Ulster Scots Agency have stepped in. Governor of the Apprentice Boys Jim Brownlee said they were happy to accept money from Dublin for such a key event.

(BMcC/KMcA)