Other News In Brief

Family Targeted In Arson Attack

A women and her three children have escaped injury after an arson attack on their home.

Shortly before 11pm on Tuesday (24 June), the front door of the property on Carnbrock Drive was set on fire.

The woman, as well as her three children, aged six, 12 and 15, escaped serious injuries in the attack, but needed to be treated for smoke inhalation at the scene.

Anyone who noticed any suspicious activity or who has information is asked to contact police.

Man Dies In Car Crash

A man, understood to be in his 60s, has died following a road traffic collision in Dungannon, Co Tyrone.

The incident, which involved a lorry and a tractor, happened at the Killybracken Road at around 10.20am on Wednesday.

Police have said the M1 westbound between Dungannon and Ballygawley has been closed to allow investigations to take place. A diversion route via the B45 Eglish Road and A45 Granville Road is in place for motorists.

Cannabis Plants Seized In Ballycastle

A 35-year-old man has been arrested following the discovery of a number of cannabis plants at a property near Ballycastle.

Police carried out a search at the home on Ballyvennaght Road on Wednesday and seized a number of plants. They are estimated to be worth thousands of pounds.

The man is understood to have been arrested on suspicion of possession of a class B drug, intent to supply and being concerned in the cultivation of drugs.

Scrabo Tower To Reopen

Scrabo Tower is to reopen to the public for the summer months, it has been announced.

The popular attraction will open on Saturday 28 June.

In February, the Tower was closed after it suffered severe water ingress following poor weather conditions. The damage compromised the electrical supply to the structure and a decision was made to temporarily close the Tower.

Commenting on the reopening, Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: "This is good news for Ards and those wishing to visit the Tower. Since the winter flooding, NIEA has arranged for remedial work to be carried out, including replacement of electrical infrastructure, the repair of fire doors damaged by the damp conditions and the cleaning of slippery steps leading to the top of the Tower."

He continued: "Additional work is planned for the autumn to investigate how the water is getting into the walls and how this can be prevented so that further improvements can be made to protect the Tower from extreme weather.

"While additional closures will be necessary to enable this vital investigative work to take place, NIEA aims to keep these to a minimum. Any subsequent work carried out on the Tower to keep it dry should secure safe access for visitors and their enjoyment of this remarkable landscape feature into the future."

Subject to favourable weather conditions, the Tower will remain open until 15 September.

(JP)