Appeal Following Serious Assault In East Belfast

The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following an assault in east Belfast in the early hours of Sunday, 17th August.

At approximately 12.20am, police received a report that eight masked men, armed with what is believed to have been bats and hammers, forced their way into a property in Loopland Park.

Once inside the armed men assaulted the male resident, causing injuries to their head and body.

The victim was taken to hospital where they received treatment for their injuries.

Detective Sergeant Kitchen said: "I am appealing to anyone who may have noticed the men in the area or to anyone with CCTV, door-bell or other footage that could assist with enquiries to contact detectives on 101 quoting reference 25 17/08/25."

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

Tennyson Condemns L'Derry Bonfire Displays

Alliance Deputy Leader Eóin Tennyson has condemned the placement of poppy wreaths and flags on a bonfire in L'Derry. "Each year, we witness a repeated cycle of sectarianism, hate, and bigotry during bonfire season," he said.

"The placing of flags and offensive materials on bonfires is utterly unacceptable and has no place in a shared society. Those responsible only seek to intimidate, sow division and hold our community back.

"Almost four years since the final report of the Commission on Flags, Identity, Culture and Tradition was published, is long past time that regulation was introduced by the First and deputy First Ministers to end these shameful displays."

Delargy Praises Féile Derry's 'Inclusive' Programme

Sinn Féin MLA Pádraig Delargy has praised the work of Féile Derry for its two-week programme of events in the city.

The Foyle MLA said the festival presented a "powerful array of events" that showcased the history of the area from the civil rights movement to the present day. He also highlighted that this year's programme hosted many events focused on the future, particularly the "possibilities and the opportunities Irish unity creates."

Delargy added that the festival, which heard "voices from across the political spectrum," helps to combat sectarianism and presents an "inclusive and progressive future" for Derry.