Other News In Brief

SF Condemn 'Disgrace' Attack At Flats In Belvoir Estate

Sinn Féin has condemned an attack on a block of flats in the Belvoir estate, with MLA Deirdre Hargey describing the incident as "disgraceful".

The South Belfast MLA said: "This latest attack is an attempt to create fear and stir up hatred in South Belfast.

"This is disgraceful and must be unequivocally condemned by everyone, including all our political leaders.

"There is no place for this kind of behaviour in our society. And those engaged in these despicable attacks need to be taken off the streets. I call on anyone with information about those responsible for this attack to bring it forward to the police.

"Sinn Féin is committed to building a society based on equal rights and equal opportunities for all who live here.

"We want to work together to build a safe, welcoming and inclusive society for all."

Appeal For Information On Maguiresbridge's Burglary

PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information following a report of a burglary at a property in Maguiresbridge over the weekend.

Making the appeal, Detective Sergeant Curley said: "Sometime between 2pm and midnight on November 4th, it is believed that someone forced entry into a house in the Boyhill Park area.

"The house was ransacked and a large sum of money was taken.

"A second report was also received that at approximately 8.25pm on November 4th, a Red Seat Leon with sports tailpipes and spoiler had collided head on with a vehicle while exiting Boyhill Park.

"Detectives are investigating a possible link between both incidents and are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed anyone suspicious or seen the car in the area, or to anyone with CCTV, doorbell or other footage that could assist with enquiries, to get in touch on 101 quoting reference 13 of 05/11/23.

"Alternatively, you can report online at www.psni.police.uk/report or in confidence through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

DUP Marks The Death Of Former MLA David Hilditch

The DUP has paid tribute to former East Antrim DUP MLA David Hilditch and offered their condolences to his friends and family, following the news of his death on Sunday, 05 November.

Party leader, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said: "Despite David’s battle with cancer, he served the people of East Antrim faithfully and only stepped back from elected office in September past. He had a passion for people and believed in serving others whether that was in the political realm or his beloved Carrick Rangers Football Club.

"In recent times, his illness and treatment were taking an incredible toll on his body, but David would still come to meetings and speak up for the people he represented.

"David was first elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly in 1998 and was subsequently re-elected in the 2011, 2016, 2017 and 2022 Assembly elections. He was one of only three MLAs who served continually from 1998 until 2023.

"When David retired from the NI Assembly in September, it ended an outstanding thirty-two years of public service.

"David first entered Local Government in 1991, winning a by-election in the Castle District of Carrickfergus Borough Council. During his time on the Council, he served as Deputy Mayor from 1994 – 1996, and in 1997 he was elected as Mayor, serving a second term from 2004 – 2008.

"Whilst as colleagues, we can look back over a life of dedication and service to the people of Carrickfergus, East Antrim and Northern Ireland, our prayers today are with those who were closest to David amongst his family and friends."

DUP Chairman Lord Morrow said: "This is so sad. David was dependable, reliable, honourable, trustworthy and loyal. He will be greatly missed.

"I can remember David first being elected in Carrickfergus. Such was his affinity to the area, Dr Paisley used to affectionately refer to him as 'the mayor of Carrick'.

"His loss will most acutely be felt by his family and close friends but he also will be mourned by a community who he loved and served tirelessly. He leaves a legacy of public service to others which will live long into the future."