Petrol Bomb Attack: Three Held

The police have confirmed that three males are currently assisting with their inquiries following a petrol bomb attack in Limavady. They were arrested after an incident which occurred at a property in the Anderson Park area of the Roe Valley town at approximately 3am on Friday. A woman, believed to be in her 40s, who was in the house at the time escaped uninjured. The device caused scorch damage to an external wall and front living room window.

Irish Guards Honoured

Just hours ahead of the Queen's current three-day visit to Northern Ireland, she was busy closer to home, appropriately presenting new colours to the 1st Battalion Irish Guards in recognition of their service in Iraq. Before flying to Londonderry for day one of her trip on Wednesday, guardsmen, family and friends watched as the Queen addressed more than 500 soldiers as the battalion's Colonel-in-Chief at a ceremony at Windsor Castle. The soldiers, based at the town's Victoria Barracks, had achieved "a remarkable record of service" she said. The colours display the regiment's "Iraq 2003" battle honours for the first time. They were the first regiment to go into Basra during the war and have lost four soldiers since 2003. They last completed operations in Iraq in December 2007.

Retired Staff Might Tackle Swine Flu

It has emerged that some hundreds of retired medical staff across Northern Ireland could be drafted in to help cope with administering swine flu vaccinations if there is an outbreak here. According to the Belfast Telegraph, the acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Elizabeth Mitchell said that as a precaution plans are in place for every person in NI to have two doses of the vaccine, if it is needed. And in order to cope with the massive operation former medical staff could be approached to assist in administering around 3.6 million doses.

Invest NI's Backing Aids Growth

An Antrim-based logistics company is set for substantial growth in export sales with support from Invest Northern Ireland. SKU Ltd is a 'third party logistics' provider that specialises in handling electronic components. The business acts as the interface between component manufacturers, many of which are based in the Far East, and local assembly businesses. Invest NI has offered support for activities including export marketing and wider business development, with SKU embarking on a series of market visits to target potential clients in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

Ritchie Welcomes Housing Scheme

NI Housing Minister Margaret Ritchie has officially cut the first sod at a new housing scheme in Newtownbreda. The Oaklee Housing Association development at Breda Park received £4.3m from the Department for Social Development. In total 22 two bedroom apartments for active older people and 12 two and three bedroom family houses will be provided. Construction by Geda Construction is about to get underway, with completion planned for August 2010.

Fraudsters Pay Penalty

The Social Security Agency Financial Investigation Unit has obtained a Confiscation Order to the value of £78,000 against Brian Collins (55) of Forkhill Road, Newry at Newry Crown Court. On 19 January 2007, the defendant pleaded guilty to fraudulently claiming Income Support and a Rate Rebate totalling £35,113.30, and was sentenced to six months imprisonment suspended for three years. During this week's confiscation hearing, the Court agreed that the defendant had obtained £78,000 through his criminal activity and granted a Confiscation Order of this amount to be satisfied by 7 November 2009.

(BMcC/JM)