Other News In Brief

Man Rescued From Pit In Co Down

A man has been rescued after he became trapped in a pit in Hillsborough, Co Down.

The incident happened this morning (19 December) at around 8.30am.

Seven appliances were sent to the Comber Road where they removed the man from the pit.

He has since been taken to hospital, but his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

An investigation is now understood to be underway by the Health and Safety Executive.

Minister 'Remains Committed' To Casement Park Refurb

Sports Minister Carál Nί Chuilίn has said she remains "fully committed" to a redevelopment of Casement Park in west Belfast.

Her comments come after a High Court judge quashed planning permission for the proposed 38,000-seater stadium earlier this week.

In his ruling, Mr Justice Horner said on Monday that that Environment Minister Mark H Durkan had acted "unlawfully" and that his decision-making was "fundamentally flawed".

Commenting on the ruling, the Minister Nί Chuilίn said: "The redevelopment of Casement Park is an Executive Programme for Government pledge. I remain fully committed to ensuring that this project becomes a reality.

"I am aware that the GAA offered a number of solutions which sought to address the issues raised in the judgment and I am disappointed that no accommodation was reached.

"The GAA have indicated that they will lodge a fresh planning application which will take account of the points raised in the judgment and I and my department will fully support them during the new planning process."

Investigation Into Armed Robbery

An investigation has been launched following an armed robbery at a shop in east Belfast.

At around 6.25am on Friday (19 December), a masked man entered the premises on My Lady's Road in the city. He was armed with a firearm, police have said.

It is understood he forced a female employee into a toilet cubicle in the rear of the shop before stealing a quantity of cigarettes.

A male customer who entered the store during the robbery was also threatened with the firearm and forced to the rear of the store. The customer had his phone taken from him at gunpoint.

The robber has been described as around 5' 11" tall, thin and wearing a black balaclava, green combat/camouflage style jacket and black gloves.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101.

(JP)