Police Probe Sudden Death Of Woman In County Armagh

An investigation has been launched after a woman's body was discovered at a house in County Armagh on New Year's Day.

Officers responded to a report of a sudden death of a female at Esker Park, in the Killylea area on the morning of Tuesday 01 January.

A post mortem is due to be carried out to determine the cause of death.

There are no further details at this stage.

Ballyclare Church Attacked For Third Time In One Year

Police are investigating the third attack on a Free Presbyterian church in Ballyclare, County Antrim, within the last 12 months.

The most recent incident at the church on the Doagh Road is understood to have taken place on the night of Friday 28 December.

A window was smashed and it was believed a metal bar was used.

Police said they have spoken with the community and elected representatives, including street pastors, regarding the ongoing anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in the town centre.

In a post on Facebook, an officer said: "Parents, do you know where your young ones are in the evening? Please have a word before we end up with an arrest charge and court appearance."

Anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area around Ballyclare Free Presbyterian Church in recent days and weeks is asked to contact police using the non-emergency line 101.

UUP Calls For Launch Of New Suicide Prevention Strategy

Ulster Unionist spokesperson for mental health, Robbie Butler MLA, has urged the Department of Health to launch 'Protect Life 2', a new suicide prevention strategy, in the absence of a local minister.

In recent years, Northern Ireland's suicide figures have soared at a much faster rate than the rest of the UK, with around 305 people reported to have taken their own life in 2017.

The country has been without a functioning assembly since the executive collapsed in January 2017.

The MLA for Lagan Valley called for the introduction of the new strategy as "very much in the public interest".

He explained: "It is disgraceful that the 'Protect Life 2' strategy has been left waiting on a shelf simply because we don't have a local Minister to add their signature to it. If it were not so serious it would be laughable.

"Why this is even up for debate is beyond me. This is an issue that has the potential to impact on everyone in Northern Ireland, regardless of age, class, income, religion or political opinion. Its implementation could hardly reasonably be described as controversial, but the lack of its implementation certainly should be.

"There is no doubt whatsoever that we need this new strategy adopted and implemented as a matter of urgency. Even the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Northern Ireland have said that they are not in a position to drive forward in the absence of a strategy."



(JG/MH)