Other News In Brief

Appeal For Information On Hijacking In Rathcoole

Detectives are investigating a report of an attempted hijacking in the Doonbeg Drive area of Rathcoole on Wednesday, 4th January shortly after 9pm.

Detective Sergeant Boyd said: "It was reported that a man driving a car in the area was blocked by two men who attempted to take control of his vehicle.

"The two men went to both sides of the front doors of the car and tried to open them. One of the men put his arm through the car window in an attempt to grab the driver. The driver then drove off and the two men made off on foot.

"One of the suspects is described as being in his late 20s and was wearing a blue and white coat, blue jeans, black trainers and had his hood up.

"The second suspect is described as being dressed all in black and was wearing a blue surgical mask and a baseball cap. Both of the men were wearing gloves.

"Enquiries are ongoing into this investigation and detectives are appealing to anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in the area at the time, or have any information which could assist, to contact them on 101, and quote reference number 1853 of 04/01/23."

Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Ballysillian Park Roadworks Scheme To Begin On 09 January

The Department for Infrastructure has announced that a major roadworks scheme will get underway on Ballysillian Park in Belfast from Monday 09 January, 2023.

The £400,000 carriageway and footway resurfacing works will extend for a distance of approximately 500 metres from Ballysillan Road to Ballysillan Avenue and will deliver significant benefits for residents and road users.

To help ensure the safety of road users and workers it will be necessary to implement localised lane closures while the footway works are ongoing with a full road closure to follow when the carriageway works commence. The majority of the scheme will be completed during the hours of 8.00 am to 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday, however during the final carriageway resurfacing it may be necessary to close the road at the weekend. Full details of closures will be displayed in advance of work taking place.

Road users are asked to comply with all temporary traffic restrictions and to drive with care when travelling in the vicinity of the road works.

Subject to favourable weather conditions all works will be completed by 30 March 2023, however the Department will keep the public informed of any change.

Whilst the Department has carefully planned these road works and associated traffic management arrangements in order to minimise any inconvenience to the public, road users should expect delays and allow additional time when planning any journey.