Other News In Brief

Appeal For Information Following Armed Robbery In Portadown

PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information following an armed robbery at an off license in the Thomas Street area of Portadown yesterday evening, Monday 15 May.

Detective Sergeant Wilson said: "At approximately 8.45pm, a man armed with a Stanley knife entered the premises and threatened a member of staff before making off with a sum of cash from the till.

"He is described as being aged between 30 and 40 years old, approximately 5'4" tall of thin build and was wearing dark clothing, with his hood over his head and a dark coloured snood covering his face.

"I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or to anyone with CCTV or other footage that could assist with enquiries, to contact detectives on 101 quoting reference 2140 of 15/05/23."

Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Daisy Hill Departures 'Deeply Concerning' – SF

News that a number of medical staff have left Daisy Hill Hospital has been described as "deeply concerning".

Sinn Féin Newry and Armagh MP Mickey Brady has said: "Reports that a number of medical personnel have 'ended their tenure' at Daisy Hill Hospital is deeply concerning.

"More concerning is the claim that one of the reasons behind these exits is that doctors feel they do not have proper supports in place to carry out their work safely.

"We will be requesting an urgent meeting with the Southern Trust to find out what they are doing to not only recruit sufficient staff into Daisy Hill but to retain them as well.

"We acknowledge the very real challenges facing the Trust amid savage Tory cuts. However the Trust must ensure that staffing levels are maintained to a proper level to ensure doctors can treat patients safely and with confidence.

"The difficulties in recruiting people to work and to stay in our health service, is one of the very real consequences forced upon us by 12 years of Tory cuts to public services.

"One party's refusal to form an Executive has blocked a three-year budget and further investment in the health service to hire more doctors and nurses. This collapse of the Executive has left health workers and health and social care services at the mercy of cruel Tory cuts.

"We need an Executive formed now and all parties working together with a local health minister to prioritise health and fix the problems."

Essential Maintenance Works Announced For Belfast's Westlink

The Department for Infrastructure has announced a series of closures on Belfast's Westlink to allow for a programme of major resurfacing works, starting on Friday 19 May and running until Monday 19 June.

This project will involve essential structural maintenance work along the westbound lanes, between Divis and Broadway Underpass. It will be completed over four weekends of 19-22 May, 26-29 May, 02-05 June and 17-19 June.

The eastbound carriageway towards Belfast will be unaffected.

During periods of closure a diversionary route will be signed via Divis Street, College Avenue, Great Victoria Street, Bruce Street, Dublin Road, Donegall Road, Broadway Roundabout, M1 motorway.