Other News In Brief

Local Residents Save Man From River Lagan

Members of the public have helped to rescue a man from the River Lagan overnight in Belfast.

According to police, at approximately 1:30am this morning they received a number of reports of a person in distress close to the new footbridge at Belfast boat club.

It is understood that members of the public living nearby left their houses at hearing the disturbance and made their way to the Lagan.

Police South Belfast said: "Unfortunately a male was in distress in the water. Life rings were then thrown by members of the public in an attempt to help him. One member of the public then entered the water and pulled the male to safety, just as Police arrived.

"Officers from Lisburn Road attended to the male and brought him up to the bridge to allow Ambulance staff to give him the treatment he needed.

"I wish to place on record my thanks to the members of the public who left their houses in the middle of the night to investigate what was going on and assisted him from the water and who have ultimately helped save his life."

Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Sexual Activity By An Adult With A Child

Detectives from the Child Sexual Exploitation Team have arrested a 25-year-old man on suspicion of sexual activity by an adult with a child.

The arrest was made in Belfast on Tuesday 26 July and the man remains in custody.

Commenting on the case, Detective Inspector Hamill said that safeguarding vulnerable young people is a top priority for the PSNI.

Finance Minister Calls For Urgent Action From Treasury

The Treasury must act now to support businesses facing soaring energy prices and crippling costs, Finance Minister, Conor Murphy has said.

Speaking following a visit to Portaferry where he met James Higginson, proprietor of Captain Jack’s restaurant and takeaway, Conor Murphy said: "I heard first-hand today the detrimental impact the removal of VAT reduction is having for small businesses in the hospitality sector. Just like households our businesses are facing a cost crisis. The measures taken by the British Government to date have failed to deliver support for businesses, which are under immense pressure as a result of increased fuel and energy costs. These pressures are set against a backdrop of trying to recover from the impact of the pandemic.

"Treasury cannot wait until the autumn to take action, the reality is that this may be too late for some businesses. It is imperative that they take action now."