Shooting Condemned

The South Antrim MLA Danny Kinahan (pictured) has condemned the shooting of a man in the Mayfield Court area of Glengormley on Wednesday night. "There can be absolutely no justification for it. We simply have to remove illegal weapons and the organisations or gangs which would seek to use them. This is a heinous crime against the entire community and the right of everyone to live a normal life free from violence and the fear of violence. I would appeal to the entire community to assist the Police in every way possible so that whoever is responsible is brought to justice as swiftly as possible," he said. See: Condemnations Follows Glengormley Shooting

Rosetta Accident Closes Road

It has emerged that a 29-year-old woman is being treated in hospital following a serious road traffic collision in south Belfast. Police say the collision, which involved only one vehicle, occurred at the top of the Ormeau Road at 5.15am on Friday morning and that traffic approaching the Rosetta roundabout was severely disrupted during the morning rush-hour. See: Five AM Car Pursuit Ends In Crash

Kids Escape Derry Blast

Police detectives are today investigating an explosion in Londonderry, which a senior officer said could have endangered local children. The blast happened on Lecky Road, in the Brandywell area of the city, at around 11pm on Thursday. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said damage was caused to properties, but no one was injured.

Blaze Man Rescued

A man is lucky to be alive after he had to be rescued by firefighters following an arson attack on his home in east Belfast. Burning material was forced through the man's letterbox at about 1am this morning, Friday. He was treated at the scene for the effects of breathing in smoke and the PSNI have appealed for information to help their investigation. Alliance Party Chief Whip Stewart Dickson MLA has condemned those behind the blast: "This was a callous and totally despicable incident. Those seeking to create fear will never put in jeopardy the progress we have made in building peace."

Stormont Jail Term

An Assembly staff member has been jailed after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. Steven Warnock, 25, from Main Street, Portavogie, was driving at speed on the wrong side of the Bog Road outside Portavogie when his car hit another vehicle on 11 April 2009. The driver of the car, John Cully, 21, was killed instantly. A passenger in Mr Warnock's car was grievously injured while Warnock himself will serve half of the 16-month sentence.

Door Kills Four-Year-Old Boy

Irish police have described the death of a four-year-old in Donegal Town as a "tragic accident". The boy was playing in a yard yesterday near his home when a six-foot steel door fell on him. He was was pronounced dead at the scene. A post mortem examination will take place later today at Letterkenny General Hospital.

DARD Gets Direct

Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O'Neill MLA, has said that the 'one-stop-shop' for farmers helpline, DARD Direct, was proving a great success. The Minister was speaking at her recent visit to the DARD Direct Office in Thomas Street, Dungannon. DARD (Department of Agriculture and Rural Development) Direct offers farmers the opportunity to access the Department's farm business services in one place and provides a greater choice in how business is conducted. "Key to the success of DARD Direct is the establishment and development of a unified approach with admin and technical staff working in partnership to meet customer needs. This is supported by the refurbishment of customer-facing facilities to support farm businesses accessing the services they require," she said.

(BMcC/GK)