Police are appealing for information after a man believed to be a police officer was found with serious injuries in Holywood, Co Down, on Friday.

He was discovered lying in the middle of the road close to the town's railway station early this morning.

The victim was taken to the Ulster Hospital but was immediately transferred to Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital where he is said to be in a stable condition.

Elsewhere, a Northern Ireland father and daughter have died following a road traffic accident in the Republic.

Their four-wheel-drive vehicle was in collision with a lorry between Belturbet and Cavan at around 7.30pm on Thursday.

Another woman in the vehicle was seriously injured and was taken to Cavan General Hospital while driver of the lorry was also taken to hospital, although his injuries are not thought to be serious.

Meanwhile, two teenage boys have been assaulted in Londonderry on Thursday.

The two 13-year-old boys were part of a group of four boys who had just got off the bus at Stoneypath at around 4 pm when they were surrounded by a group of around 15 youths.

Two of the boys managed to run off but the other two were attacked by the youths. One of the boys was forced to the ground and was kicked until he was unconscious.

Anybody who witnessed the incident, especially passing motorists, is asked to contact police at Waterside on 028 7136 7337 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

(MB/GMCG)