Other News In Brief

West Belfast Cemeteries Targeted In Hate Crime Attacks

War graves have been vandalised at two cemeteries in west Belfast.

Police are treating the incidents at Milltown and the City Cemetery as hate crimes.

In a Facebook post on their west Belfast page, a PSNI spokesperson said: "We unfortunately had two separate incidents over two nights where War Graves were damaged, one in City Cemetery and another in Milltown Cemetery.

In one incident a gravestone was knocked over and in another as you can see below 'IRA' graffiti was daubed over it. We are treating this as a hate crime.

"The question I find myself asking is, why would you do this? Cemeteries are resting places for people from all walks of life and should be treated with reverence, respect and dignity.

"There is no justification for this whatsoever. To whoever carried out these crimes- we will be pursuing you.

"Local people from west Belfast spend considerable time and effort in these cemeteries, improving them for the community as a whole, and educating people from far and wide about the rich history and diversity found within them. Perhaps whoever did this should join one of these tours, you never know you may learn something...hopefully respect at least."

Full details of the crimes are not clear as yet, but it is believed the grave with IRA daubed on it was in Milltown.

Snow Patrol Announce Return To Bangor's Ward Park

Snow Patrol have announced they will play Bangor's Ward Park for the third time when they return to Northern Ireland in May 2019.

The band, which is fronted by Gary Lightbody, revealed details of the gig at a press conference on Friday 07 December.

The show will feature some other well known musicians from the region including Foy Vance, Ash, Soak, Jealous of the Birds, Brand New Friend, JC Stewart, The Wood Burning Savages, Katt Philippa and Roe.

The band also hinted at a "very special guest" who is yet to be confirmed.

In a post on social media, they of Northern Ireland: "It's a place that has always been special to us and we can't wait to show you what's in store. We're going to bring some talented friends along to make it a celebration of NI music."

Tickets for the show that wll take place on 25 May 2019 go on sale on Friday 12 December at 9am.

PSNI Issue Warning For O2 Customers Over Compensation Scam

Police have issued a warning to customers about a scam circulating in Northern Ireland promising a refund.

It comes after thousands of customers were left unhappy yesterday when the 4G network failed.

Those affected are being warned not to reply to a text promising compensation.

The message wrongly advises O2 customers to ring 14199 for a refund.

In an online post, PSNI Craigavon warned: "Don't do it!"

Calling the number redirects it to 999 and the customer would effectively be making an emergency call.

"I'm sure the O2 tech boffins are working as hard as they can, another phone call won't speed them up anyway.

"Sit tight, and enjoy something that we used to call 'conversation' back in the day."



(JG)