Bangor Murder Probed

The body of a 68-year-old man was found in a County Down seaside town. It is understood the victim had been beaten and stabbed. His body was found at a guesthouse in Princetown Road, Bangor, at 7.30am on Tuesday and a murder probe has been launched. The area around the house which overlooks the marina has been cordoned off as forensics officers carry out an examination of the scene. A post mortem examination is due to be carried out later.

40 Jobs As New Agency Formed

The Northern Ireland Environment Minister has pledged £2 million for improved environmental regulations, and an additional 40 government jobs, at the launch of the Province's new Environment Agency. Minister Sammy Wilson also vowed the new agency would forge an effective partnership with business in delivering a strong and safe environment. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) replaces the Environment and Heritage Service.

Arrests Made

PSNI police detectives investigating serious crime have arrested three men. Officers from the Crime Operations Department, assisted by West Midlands Police, arrested a man in Birmingham. Another man was arrested in north Belfast, while a third was arrested in the Poleglass area. Meanwhile, detectives investigating the murder of six people in a bar in Loughinisland, County Down, 14 years ago have arrested a man in Kent. The arrest in Maidstone was carried out with assistance from officers from Kent police. The 45-year-old man is currently being questioned at Antrim PSNI station.

Robinson Upbeat On Policing Powers

NI First Minister Peter Robinson has said he is willing to intensify talks with Sinn Féin on the transfer of policing powers to the Stormont government. Mr Robinson said he had been discussing the issue with Martin McGuinness, the Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister. He said no agreement had yet been reached, but added that he was "not gloomy" about the prospects of a deal. Speaking at a legal conference in Belfast yesterday, he said an agreement needed to "command the confidence of everyone". I am committed and willing to intensify discussions with the Deputy First Minister and others in the period ahead to test the possibilities," he said.

Foster Connets

Northern Ireland Enterprise Minister, Arlene Foster, has welcomed the first broadband network for a small village, near Limavady. Residents in Drumsurn have been connected to a test-bed wireless network, a trial project offering a variety of internet speeds. Ms Foster, announcing the connection, said: "This pilot initiative provides an opportunity to work with the private sector to examine the longer term sustainability of such technology and their application for the business sector. "It will allow telecoms companies, business and government to improve their understanding of how to achieve the best value for money in providing access to similar services across Northern Ireland," she said.

(BMcC)