09/09/2009

Other NI News In Brief

Hoax Security Alert Closes North Belfast School

A security alert which closed a school in north Belfast has been declared a hoax. Police and Army bomb disposal experts were called to Mercy Primary School on Crumlin Road on Wednesday morning following the discovery of a suspicious object. A controlled explosion was carried out on an object discovered in the school grounds. Parents had been told not to bring their children to school. Sinn Féin MLA for North Belfast Gerry Kelly slammed those behind the incident. He said:"The disruption to Mercy Primary is completely unacceptable. How can anyone justify leaving a hoax device in school grounds where children between the age of 5 and 11 are passing is beyond belief. Those responsible are essentially attacking our children's education, their future and their sense of safety. They need to realise this and stop any such attacks immediately."



Man Abducted And Shot In Downpatrick

A man has been shot in the legs after being abducted in Downpatrick. The incident happened as the man was walking along Saul Road around 9pm on Tuesday. He was forced into a car, described as a dark-coloured Renault, and driven to the Vianstown Road area, where he was then shot in both legs. Four men are believed to have been in the car and they drove off after the shooting. The victim is being treated in hospital, but his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. police have appealed for witnesses to contact them. The SDLP's Eddie McGrady, MP for South Down, condemned the attack. He said: "This is purely an act of thuggery and gangsterism. I urge anybody with information regarding this crime to contact the police. Vigilante justice is not welcome in Downpatrick or anywhere."



Pensioner In Court Over Child Sex Assault Allegations

A 70-year-old man has appeared before Belfast Magistrates Court charged with two counts of sexually assaulting a child. Brendan Hull, of Ballynure Street, Belfast, was also charged with engaging in sexual activity with a child. The charges relate to alleged incidents in north Belfast last Friday. Mr Hull has denied the charges. He was remanded in custody to appear again before the court next week.

(KMcA/GK)


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