Other News In Brief

PSNI Leadership Has Serious Questions To Answer – SDLP

The SDLP has said that the PSNI leadership has serious questions to answer following a significant data breach.

Foyle MLA and Policing Board member Mark H Durkan said: "A data breach of the nature reported this evening is extremely worrying and will be causing immense distress for officers across the PSNI and across our communities tonight.

"We are in touch with senior police but it is important that the Chief Constable makes an urgent statement about the scale of the breach, how it happened and the remedial actions that are being taken to address the situation.

"It is inconceivable that any single member of staff would have the ability to download a detailed database with such sensitive information. This represents a critical systems failure and must be addressed immediately."

Appeal For Information On Violent Hijacking In L'Derry

The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following a vehicle hijacking in Galliagh, L'Derry.

According to police, the driver was dragged from his car in Knockalla Park around 10.30pm on Monday 7th August, after which he was struck on the head and his vehicle set on fire. A number of males wearing dark-coloured clothing are believed to have been involved.

Shortly before 11am on Tuesday 8th August, police received a report that as a teenager was walking in Knockalla Park last night, around the time the vehicle was hijacked, she was hit with debris from the burning vehicle. The teenager has sustained facial injuries which will require surgery.

Detectives from Strand Road Criminal Investigation Division urge anyone who captured footage of what happened, or who knows who was involved, to come forward.

Detective Sergeant Gingell said: "Both of these incidents will have been distressing, and will no doubt have a lasting impact. Our appeal is for anyone who can help identify those involved in the vehicle hijacking to call us on 101, quoting reference 1990 of 07/08/23."

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

DAERA Urged To Further Investigate Blue-Green Algae Clusters

The Alliance Party has called on DAERA to further investigate clusters of blue-green algae that have been reported across Northern Ireland, and look into the possible effect pollution may have played in their formation.

Made up of potentially toxic bacteria, blue-green algae presents a significant health risk to both people and animals if consumed.

Alliance Agriculture and Environment spokesperson John Blair MLA has said: "This is an extremely serious issue, and the amount of cases we're seeing of blue-green algae reported all over Northern Ireland is very worrying, both for locals and visitors alike.

"We're fortunate enough to have so many natural beauty spots in NI where people are able to enjoy a whole range of water-based activities, and issues with water quality will inevitably put public confidence in these resources at risk.

"We need clarity on what measures are being taken. I have questioned DAERA on where exactly investigations into algae formations and declining water quality are taking place, if pollution could have played a role and if so, to what extent, and on how the Department's findings will be published."

Alliance Causeway Councillor Peter McCully, who alongside his colleague Cllr Richard Stewart has been observing the impact of blue-green algae on the North Coast, has said: "The closure of beaches because of blue-green algae and decreasing water quality has caused massive disruption both on the North Coast and across NI.

"This is especially evident during the height of tourist season, when seaside businesses stand to lose significant amounts of revenue as a result of closures, as well as the potential reputational damage for the area going forward in the future.

"People should be able to have confidence and pride in the quality of our beaches and natural bathing spots. I'd urge DAERA to look into this as a matter of urgency, and I await their response to our questions."