Other News In Brief

Mallon To Seek New Financial Assistance Scheme For Bus And Coach Sector

The Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon, is to seek approval to run another Financial Assistance Scheme for the private bus and coach sector.

In order to put in place another Financial Assistance Scheme for the sector, the Minister needs a further Determination & Designation under the Financial Assistance (Northern Ireland) Act 2009 and secure the necessary funding.

Minister Mallon said: "Covid-19 continues to create difficult trading conditions for many not least some of those in the private bus and coach sector.

"I have listened and examined the evidence provided by the sector and I am of the view that some businesses have demonstrated a justifiable need for further government support. It is clear that for some private bus and coach companies, their businesses have continued to suffer as a result of reduced demand for their services.

"I have written to my Executive colleagues to request the powers to make the case for a further support scheme and I intend to engage further with them in the coming days both on the rationale for the exceptional circumstances and the necessary funding for such a scheme."

Appeal For Information On Armed Robbery In East Belfast

The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following the armed robbery of a shop on the Beersbridge Road in East Belfast.

According to police, two men entered the shop at about 8.30pm. One of the men produced a knife and demanded money from staff, while the second man filled a holdall with cigarettes.

The man with the knife forced a staff member into a back office, where he demanded that the safe be opened before emptying it of cash.

The two men fled the scene with an unknown sum of money, a significant quantity of cigarettes and bottles of alcohol. The men also stole a counter-top charity collection box as they fled.

Both men are described as approximately 5ft 10ins, wearing black clothing and black face masks.

One man is said to have been of thin build, while the other was said to be "more stocky".

It is understood that while staff were unharmed in the incident, they were left badly shaken by the robbery.

Anyone who was in the area at the time and may have witnessed anything suspicious is urged to contact police.

Alternatively, information can be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous.

Controlled Explosion Carried Out On Suspicious Vehicle In L'Derry

A controlled explosion has been carried out in a security alert in L'Derry.

The security operation began after police received reports that a van had been hijacked in Bracken Park. The white Volkswagen van was then found abandoned in Gallagh Park.

Police cordoned off the area and a number of local residents were evacuated.

Army technical officers were called into examine the vehicle and according to reports, controlled explosion has been carried out.

Police have said that their investigation is continuing.