Other News In Brief

UK Urged To Accelerate Efforts To Help Ukraine

The UK and its partners has been urged to accelerate its efforts to help Ukraine, as the world marks the anniversary of the Russian invasion.

Alliance South Belfast MLA Kate Nicholl made the call as she reflected on the one-year anniversary of the invasion, which she said had changed the world irreparably.

"The Russian invasion of Ukraine changed the world as we know it for good," she said.

"Long-held assumptions about peace in Europe, post-Cold War relations and NATO's standing were shattered. Meanwhile, millions of refugees fled Ukraine and thousands of civilians have died – and are still dying.

"Fragile global supply chains were further damaged, fuelling a cost of living crisis. Europe's over-dependence on Russian gas and oil was painfully exposed.

"But the fact the sovereign, democratic nation of Ukraine has survived, unbowed and unconquered, is possibly the most remarkable outcome of the conflict so far. For this, much credit goes to its president, Volodymyr Zelensky, who has campaigned tirelessly to whip up international support. I am proud the UK and other countries of Europe have rallied in solidarity.

"As Ukrainians enter their second year living under relentless and full-scale bombardment, the UK, together with partners, must accelerate efforts to ensure Ukraine wins the war and secures a just and lasting peace."

SF 'Deeply Concerned' Following Attack On PSNI Officers In Antrim

Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney has expressed concern following an incident in which local PSNI officers were assaulted and injured while responding to a disturbance in Antrim town.

The South Antrim MLA said: "I was deeply concerned to learn of an assault on local police officers responding to a disturbance in the Greenvale Manor area of Antrim town. Officers arriving at the scene found themselves faced with a highly charged situation in which they were confronted by a male brandishing a knife.

"During the course of trying to control the situation and effect an arrest, two of the attending officers were injured. While the injuries incurred were thankfully not serious and the officers were able to continue their duties, this was a volatile and potentially lethal situation which police had to defuse.

"The PSNI provides an essential public service. Local police teams work tirelessly, and often in extremely challenging circumstances, to keep our community safe. No PSNI officer, whether on, or off duty, should be subjected to threats, aggression, abuse, or any form of violent attack."

Appeal For Information On Petrol Bomb Attack In Coleraine

The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following a petrol bomb attack at a house in Coleraine.

Emergency services were called to reports of a fire at property in the Laburnum Place area of the town at about 1.40am on Friday.

There are no reports of anyone suffering injuries in the attack, but it is understood that the property was badly damaged.

Anyone with information about the incident has been asked to contact police.