Other News In Brief

Alliance Leader Pays Tribute To Families Of Victims And To Survivors Of Bloody Sunday

Alliance Leader Naomi Long has paid tribute to the families of victims and to survivors of Bloody Sunday, on the 50th anniversary of the massacre.

A number of Alliance representatives, including the party's Deputy Leader Stephen Farry MP and local elected representatives, participated in a memorial service in the Bogside – the area of Derry-Londonderry where 13 people were shot dead by the Parachute Regiment on January 30, 1972.

Mrs Long said: "My first thought as always on days like this are with the families of the victims who lost their lives on Bloody Sunday and with those who survived but still bear the physical and emotional scars of what they experienced on that day.

"They have faced a long and arduous journey over the years in pursuit of justice and truth for their loved ones, and recognition of the terrible and tragic events of January 30, 1972. Throughout they have carried themselves with dignity, and their resilience and determination have inspired others who also seek truth and justice for their loved ones.

"Bloody Sunday was one of the worst days in the history of this city and wider Northern Ireland. As we move forward, we must remember the wrongs and the pain inflicted on so many and the lives lost, and seek to honour their memory by ensuring we never allow the events of our dark history to be repeated."

New Assured Skills Academy Announced In Partnership With ASOS

Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a new Assured Skills Academy with global fashion retailer ASOS offering 20 quality training places.

Funded by the Department for the Economy, the Academy will see participants receive ten weeks of industry-relevant training with South Eastern Regional College (SERC) to provide the skills and experience required to take up exciting positions with ASOS.

Announcing the new Academy, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons said: "I am very pleased to announce this Assured Skills Academy with ASOS and South Eastern Regional College. Twenty people will receive high quality training that will position them strongly for a post in the company's Data and Artificial Intelligence domain.

"ASOS provides a global online fashion and cosmetic retail service, and to do so the company needs people with specialist skills. My Department's Assured Skills Academies have a track record of equipping participants with the skills employers need in order to flourish and grow, and this has been particularly true in the digital and tech fields.

"The jobs on offer are high quality, well paid roles and I would encourage anyone who is interested and eligible to apply for this Assured Skills Academy."

Participants who complete the course will be guaranteed a job interview with ASOS, although successful completion of the Academy is not a guarantee of gaining employment.

New Lodge Security Alert Declared Elaborate Hoax

A number of homes in the New Lodge area were evacuated in the early hours of this morning amid a security alert following the discovery of a "suspicious object" on Pinkerton Walk.

Following an examination by army technical officers the object was declared an elaborate hoax. The object was removed for further examination.

Condemning the disruption caused to New Lodge residents as a result of a security alert, North Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín said: "I condemn the security alert which saw residents having to be evacuated from their homes in the middle of the night.

"This is disgraceful disruption, those responsible need to end these reckless actions.

"I would urge anyone with any information on this incident to bring it to the attention of the PSNI."