Other News In Brief

Green Party Thank Their 'Voters, Volunteers And Candidates

The Green Party NI has thanked their voters, volunteers and candidates in last week's local government election.

Deputy Leader Lesley Veronica said: "This was a difficult election for parties outside of the block of three biggest parties.

"In Belfast, it's disappointing that our leader Mal O'Hara lost his seat in Castle, despite increasing his vote share from the 2019 election.

"Mal has been a wonderful councillor and his powerful contribution to Belfast City Council has been rightly recognised in the past few days.

"However, we are delighted to have three councillors returned to Belfast City Council in Cllr Aine Groogan, Cllr Brian Smyth and Cllr Anthony Flynn.

"In Ards and North Down Cllr Rachel Woods was returned alongside Cllr Barry McKee.

"Significantly, the Green Party secured its highest ever vote in Holywood.

"We would also like to pay tribute to outgoing Councillor Stephen Dunlop. Stephen's public service will no doubt continue in a different guise through his involvement with local arts and culture.

"Their work begins today on seeing through our local government manifesto commitments.

"The climate emergency and cost of living crisis will be the defining issues of this mandate. Our Councillors will waste no time in continuing their work to deliver greener, cleaner, fairer communities for all."

Man Arrested In Connection With Commercial Burglary

The Ballyarnett Neighbourhood Policing Team have arrested a 40-year-old man on suspicion of burglary in L'Derry this morning, 22nd May.

The arrest is part of an investigation by detectives from Strand Road Criminal Investigation Division (CID) into a commercial burglary in the city over the Easter period. It's reported to have occurred at premises in the city-side area at around 4am on 10th April. Damage was caused to the business, with a window broken. Cash and stock, including hair styling equipment, was stolen.

This commercial burglary is one of several commercial burglaries in the city being investigated by CID. They're keen to hear from anyone with information, or anyone who has been a victim of a commercial burglary but hasn't yet reported it, to get in touch. The number to call with information is 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Investigation Launched After Cat Found In Illegal Trap

Police are investigating a report of a cat caught in an illegal trap in the Carey Mill area of Ballycastle.

It is understood that the cat was discovered alive in an illegal Gin Trap, and taken to a local vet, but had to subsequently had to be put down because of its injuries.

Chief Inspector McIldowney said: "To witness an animal in this situation is horrific, no animal should have to go through such pain as a result of a careless person setting a trap illegally.

"At this stage it is unclear as to where the trap had been set, as it was not anchored to the ground, with the cat able to move with the trap still attached.

"The trap may have been set elsewhere and we would advise anyone not to touch any objects they are unsure of.

"Please be advised, we take all wildlife crime very seriously and at present, we have a dedicated policing operation titled Op Subrision in place to combat rural and wildlife crime.

"Anyone with information about this incident can contact us on the 101 number quoting 1425 18/05/23.

"Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."