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19/10/2001
Fresh anthrax alert in County Antrim
A fresh anthrax alert has been reported in Northern Ireland in the wake of five cases which were identified as hoaxes this week.
The Royal Ulster Constabulary have said a household at Windsor Crescent in Whitehead, County Antrim, received three envelopes containing some form of powder on Thursday October 18.
The emergency services were called and the Department of Health said the necessary precautions had been taken. The envelopes have all been sent to England for analysis.
Earlier on Thursday, it was confirmed that five previous anthrax alerts in Northern Ireland were all hoaxes. The samples of white powder were sent to a laboratory in England, which was sent to two homes in Belfast and Tyrone, to post office depots in Belfast and Mallusk and to Derry City Council’s offices. All the samples showed none of the substances tested was contaminated with anthrax.
The Security Minister Jane Kennedy has warned hoaxers that they face prosecution and possible imprisonment for their actions.
Condemning hoaxers who are maliciously causing unnecessary alarm and concern to the general public in Northern Ireland, she said: “These individuals are causing distress and spreading fear throughout the community. These are malicious and criminal acts and anyone sending hoax packages or misleading the police will be prosecuted and may face imprisonment.
"I would like to reassure the public that there is no specific evidence of any current threat of bio-terrorism in Northern Ireland. So whilst people should obviously treat any suspicious package with caution, I urge people not to overreact but to remain alert and calm.”
Ms Kennedy added that she shared the concerns voiced by the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Henrietta Campbell, who highlighted the potential impact which hoaxes and false alarms have in terms of diverting the emergency services and indeed the police from essential and life saving work. (AMcE)
The Royal Ulster Constabulary have said a household at Windsor Crescent in Whitehead, County Antrim, received three envelopes containing some form of powder on Thursday October 18.
The emergency services were called and the Department of Health said the necessary precautions had been taken. The envelopes have all been sent to England for analysis.
Earlier on Thursday, it was confirmed that five previous anthrax alerts in Northern Ireland were all hoaxes. The samples of white powder were sent to a laboratory in England, which was sent to two homes in Belfast and Tyrone, to post office depots in Belfast and Mallusk and to Derry City Council’s offices. All the samples showed none of the substances tested was contaminated with anthrax.
The Security Minister Jane Kennedy has warned hoaxers that they face prosecution and possible imprisonment for their actions.
Condemning hoaxers who are maliciously causing unnecessary alarm and concern to the general public in Northern Ireland, she said: “These individuals are causing distress and spreading fear throughout the community. These are malicious and criminal acts and anyone sending hoax packages or misleading the police will be prosecuted and may face imprisonment.
"I would like to reassure the public that there is no specific evidence of any current threat of bio-terrorism in Northern Ireland. So whilst people should obviously treat any suspicious package with caution, I urge people not to overreact but to remain alert and calm.”
Ms Kennedy added that she shared the concerns voiced by the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Henrietta Campbell, who highlighted the potential impact which hoaxes and false alarms have in terms of diverting the emergency services and indeed the police from essential and life saving work. (AMcE)
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Two employees at the American Consulate in Belfast have been taken to hospital after coming into contact with a white powder contained in the post. A package was being taken for x-ray when one of the men noticed the powder on Monday October 23. Both men were isolated and showered down before being taken to hospital as a precaution.
Anthrax alert at US Consulate in Belfast
Two employees at the American Consulate in Belfast have been taken to hospital after coming into contact with a white powder contained in the post. A package was being taken for x-ray when one of the men noticed the powder on Monday October 23. Both men were isolated and showered down before being taken to hospital as a precaution.
07 April 2003
Bomb alerts disrupt travel
Northern Ireland's two major airports were involved in separate bomb alerts this morning. A terminal at Belfast City Airport was evacuated following a bomb warning. As a result, the Sydenham bypass was closed in both directions.
Bomb alerts disrupt travel
Northern Ireland's two major airports were involved in separate bomb alerts this morning. A terminal at Belfast City Airport was evacuated following a bomb warning. As a result, the Sydenham bypass was closed in both directions.
20 January 2014
Hoax Objects Found In Carrickfergus Alert
Two suspicious objects found during a security alert in Carrickfergus, County Antrim, have been declared elaborate hoaxes according to police. The security alert began on Sunday afternoon in the Broadlands Gardens area of the town, when several homes were evacuated.
Hoax Objects Found In Carrickfergus Alert
Two suspicious objects found during a security alert in Carrickfergus, County Antrim, have been declared elaborate hoaxes according to police. The security alert began on Sunday afternoon in the Broadlands Gardens area of the town, when several homes were evacuated.
17 April 2009
Latest Bomb Alert Declared 'Hoax'
South Belfast is now returning to normal after a security alert was declared an elaborate hoax. A number of offices had been evacuated after the discovery of a suspicious object. It was found at Lower Crescent off the University Road on Friday morning. The street was closed to traffic for a time.
Latest Bomb Alert Declared 'Hoax'
South Belfast is now returning to normal after a security alert was declared an elaborate hoax. A number of offices had been evacuated after the discovery of a suspicious object. It was found at Lower Crescent off the University Road on Friday morning. The street was closed to traffic for a time.
29 May 2012
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
