Other News In Brief

Cash And Cigarettes Seized In Newtownabbey Search Operation

The PSNI's Organised Crime Branch have conducted a search operation in the Mayfield area of Newtownabbey on Wednesday 26 July.

Detectives seized a number of items including approximately £45,000 in cash, 5 kilo of hand rolling tobacco, 1800 cigarettes and other items, which have been taken away for further examination.

Detective Sergeant Murphy said: "Enquiries are ongoing and we remain dedicated to keeping people safe. I would appeal to anyone who has any knowledge about crime to call us on 101 or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

"Any information you can give us is vital in our ongoing fight against criminality."

SDLP Welcomes Irish Funding For NI Students In Europe

The SDLP has welcomed the new that the Irish Government has announced funding to support young people from NI studying in Europe.

The party's Education Spokesperson and Foyle MLA, Sinéad McLaughlin, said: "Following the Brexit referendum there was serious concern about the impact leaving the European Union would have on students in the North wishing to take part in Erasmus+ studies in Europe. Young people here have been afforded amazing opportunities to work, study and live abroad for many decades and it was unthinkable that would be robbed away from them.

"The Irish Government's decision to step up and provide this funding will open a wealth of opportunities for a new generation of young people across the North. The experience of studying and living abroad brings huge benefits to young people and helps them develop new skills, build new connections with peers from across Europe all while growing their intercultural understanding and awareness. The SDLP repeatedly pressed the Department for the Economy to engage on this issue and found the previous Minister's hands-off approach to be deeply disappointing.

"In stark contrast to a Tory government ripping millions of pounds of funding away from our higher and further education institutions through their punitive budget, the Irish Government is choosing to invest in our young people. This is the latest example of the government in the South supporting education in the North and creating opportunities for those who face losing out.

"This announcement shows what can be achieved when we work together to deliver on the issues that really matter. This approach is going to be key as we work to build a New Ireland that delivers a better future for everyone across our island."

Alliance Condemns Threatening Graffiti At Newtownards Courthouse

The Alliance Party has condemned graffiti outside Newtownards Courthouse threatening senior district judge Mark Hamill.

Further criminal damage to the building was also reported, with a number of windows also being smashed in the attack.

Strangford MLA Nick Mathison, said: "This is a sickening display of nothing other than posturing and cowardice, from those acting on no principle other than that of destruction and needless violence.

"No one deserves to feel threatened or intimidated just for going to work and doing their job, and my thoughts and solidarity are with Mr Hamill.

"It's eerily reminiscent the dark days of our past here in Northern Ireland, and we mustn't allow ourselves to be dragged back to those times. This needs to be unequivocally condemned by all across society. There's absolutely no justification for it.

"I'd urge anyone in the area who has any potentially useful information that may help the police in bringing those responsible to justice, to please get in touch with the PSNI or report what they know anonymously via Crimestoppers."