Appeal For Information On Carrickfergus Assault

PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information following a serious assault in Carrickfergus on the evening of Tuesday 3rd December.

Detective Inspector Lyttle said: "At approximately 9.45pm police received a report that a man had been seriously assaulted outside a property in the Irish Quarter West area. 

"Officers along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service attended and the man was taken to hospital for treatment for injuries to his head and body.

"Anyone who may have witnessed the assault or anyone with CCTV or other footage that could assist with enquiries is asked to contact detectives on 101 quoting reference 1586 03/12/24."

Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/ .

Failure To Move On Racial Equality Action Plan 'Increasingly Indefensible' – Alliance

The First and deputy First Ministers' failure to bring forward a clear action plan on racial equality and good relations is "increasingly indefensible", Alliance TEO spokesperson Paula Bradshaw has said.

It comes after ongoing reports of intimidation and violence against racial minorities, and recently published PSNI statistics noting a sharp rise in racially motivated hate crimes over the last year.

The South Belfast MLA has said: "There is something horribly wrong with a society which continues to make the victims pay the price for racism, whether that's forcing them to move home or leave schooling, rather than actually tackle the issue.

"Our ethnic minority communities deserve better than this inaction by the First and deputy First Minister. It remains the case that we still need to see a fully revised Race Relations Order, a new Racial Equality Strategy, and a complete revision of our Good Relations policies.

"We also need to see the long-promised Refugee Integration Strategy, with a comprehensive action plan to ensure that victims of racial intimidation and violence are properly protected, and that perpetrators of all forms of racial discrimination and abuse are brought to justice.

"Frankly, the response to the motion brought to the Assembly on the topic, calling for a review of plans and strategies after the outbreaks of violence in late July and early August, was extremely underwhelming. It is easy to say you are opposed to all forms of racism, but we are not seeing the actions to match that statement.

"We are long past the time for words. Urgent and concrete actions are required to deliver a society in which everyone is valued and respected, and in which everyone can play a fair and equal part."

SF Welcomes New £10m Fund For Outdoor School Spaces

Sinn Féin has welcomed the announcement of £10 million which will allow schools and nurseries to secure new outdoor sports and play facilities, and desktop computers.

The party's early years spokesperson, MLA Cathy Mason, said: "Outdoor play is an important part of early childhood education, it supports health and well-being, boosts resilience and builds social and cognitive skills.

"It is therefore welcome that nurseries will be supported to invest in new outdoor play facilities.

"PE is something that has fallen off the radar in our education system and I am hopeful that this additional announcement is a signal of the minister's intent to begin to address this issue.

"Also, the rollout of new desktop computers in schools is long overdue. The way our children and young people learn has transformed in recent years and they must be supported with the best possible resources.

"The minister must ensure that these announcements are followed up with action so that our schools and nurseries can benefit from this investment as soon as possible. I will also continue to press the minister for additional funding to be released to improve school facilities."