Other News In Brief

Missing Newtownabbey Man Found

A Newtownabbey man reported missing in the early hours of Saturday morning has been found.

A number of search operations were launched for 31-year-old Gareth Rainey, after he was reported missing at 3am on Saturday 29 July.

It is understood that sniffer dogs had found a number of scent trails during a search on Cave Hill, but were unable to find Mr Rainey. A number of search teams were setting out across north Belfast when news came through that Mr Rainey had been found.

Mr Rainey's family thanked police, the Community Rescue Service and public for their help in finding Mr Rainey.

HMRC Signs 25 Year Lease On Erskine House

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has formally singed an agreement for a 25 year lease on Erskine House, Chichester Street, Belfast.

HMRC will be one of the largest employers in the city, adding value to the local economy and forming strong relationships with the community.

Welcoming the news, Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Nuala McAllister, said: "This is fantastic news for Belfast and we wish HMRC and their employees every success in their new location. We've made a commitment through our Belfast Agenda to make this a city which attracts increased investment, provides high levels of employment – and where everyone benefits from a thriving and prosperous economy. Today's announcement by HMRC is another very welcome step towards achieving that vision for Belfast."

HMRC will be taking an estimated 104,220 sq. ft. of office space, eventually accommodating around 1,600 full-time equivalent employees from across the department by 2021.

Sinn Féin Welcomes PSNI Pride Parade Participation

Sinn Féin MLA Megan Fearon has welcomed an initiative that will see uniformed PSNI officers march in Belfast's Pride Parade for the first time.

The party's spokesperson on equality and social justice said: "Sinn Féin is a party committed to the equality agenda. We believe that all citizens regardless of race, religion or sexuality should be treated as equals in the eyes of the law.

"The rights of the LGB and T communities and human rights are not separate; they are one and the same.

"Homophobia remains the biggest barrier to full participation of the Gay/Lesbian community. While barriers are breaking down, step by step, there is more to be done.

"This initiative by the PSNI builds upon the PSNI commitment to ensuring equality in the delivery of its service to all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and is a welcome initiative."

(MH)