Police Concerned For Missing Hayden McKittrick

Police are becoming concerned for the welfare of missing 22-year-old Hayden McKittrick from Lisburn.

Hayden was last seen at his home in the Knockmore area at around 4pm on Tuesday.

Hayden is described as approximately 5ft 10inches, with black hair, and was last seen wearing jeans, grey top and a black leather jacket.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.

Work Begins On DARD Headquarters In L'Derry

Construction work has started on the new headquarters for the Department for Agriculture and Regional Development (DARD) in Ballykelly, Co L'Derry.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness met with villagers in Ballykelly to update them on the latest developments at Shackleton Barracks.

The former military base is to be sold to the MJM Group and planning permission was granted for DARD to build its new HQ on an adjoining section of the 716-acre site.

Mr McGuinness said: "The recent approval of the DARD planning application combined with the private investment by MJM Group we announced last week puts Ballykelly and the North West on a different trajectory.

"This combination of private sector and public sector working alongside each other to develop and sustain the vast site means the entire community in Ballykelly benefits.

"This isn't just about people in public sector jobs moving and keys changing hands, it is a culture shift and gear change in how Government operates.

"Having visited the Orchard Community Playgroup and called in to meet local traders there is a real renewed energy and enthusiasm in the area. I commend Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill, and all those working on this project, for getting the development to this stage."

Alliance 'Disgusted' At Death Penalty Comments

Alliance Councillor Andrew Muir has expressed his disgust after DUP Minister Lord Morrow said the death penalty should be reintroduced.

The North Down representative was speaking after Lord Morrow gave an interview in which he said capital punishment would better protect PSNI officers. His DUP colleague Gregory Campbell later backed his views on a radio show.

"The death penalty is wrong, and goes against all that is fair and decent about our justice system," said Councillor Muir.

"The hallmark of a compassionate society is the ability to deliver real justice and not vengeance. While justice must protect the public, and both punish and rehabilitate the offender, it should also demonstrate the values we want to promote in wider society in a fair, dignified and compassionate manner.

"Alliance has always opposed the death penalty regardless of circumstance, noting the serious miscarriages of justice which have also occurred in the past. The idea of taking an innocent life in error must concern everyone, including those who support capital punishment.

"The death penalty is not an effective deterrent – many of the countries which use it have higher rates of violent crime than those who use custodial sentences.

"Two wrongs certainly do not make a right and the reintroduction of the death penalty would be a massive step back in time to a barbaric practice we can be glad no longer exists in our country."

(CD/JP)