Other News In Brief

Alliance MLA 'Deeply Saddened' Following Death Of A Woman In East Belfast

Alliance MLA in East Belfast, Peter McReynolds, has said that he is "deeply saddened" following the death of a woman on Madrid Street.

The PSNI have launched a murder investigation after discovering the body of a woman in her 30s at a house on Madrid Street in East Belfast. The body was found late yesterday afternoon (15 May).

Mr McReynolds said: "I am deeply saddened to hear about the death of a woman in East Belfast. This is an extremely sad and distressing incident and my thoughts and sympathies are with the family of the victim.

"This tragic event has shocked local residents and the wider community upon hearing this upsetting news.

"There is absolutely no place for violence in our community and I appeal for anyone with information that could help the police in their investigations to get in touch with them immediately."

DUP Calls For Action On 'Deep Fake' Videos

The DUP has called for action to tackle the use of 'deep fake' video and other offensive content, and with a particular focus on how it may be used in attempts to influence the outcome of the General Election.

East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell raised the issue during questions to the Minister for Women and Equalities in Parliament today.

Speaking afterwards he said: "During the last Assembly election in Northern Ireland some female candidates were subjected to AI generated ‘deep fake' offensive content. This is an issue of growing importance across society and to women in general and there is a requirement for action where possible to tackle the creation and spread of such content.

"However, in this instance, and potentially in others it could be utilised in an attempt to influence the outcome of an election and that requires an additional focus from government.

"Whilst the Minister did outline steps within the Online Safety Act, the pace of development in such technology is concerning and the impact of its use either from domestic or international sources could be far-reaching. As we look towards a General Election there is a need for continued action to tackle this, alongside increased awareness amongst the wider public of the existence and capability of such technology and the need for everyone to check the veracity of content which they may see shared online."

60-Year-Old Man Arrested For Assault On Speed Trap Operator

A 60-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting a man working in a Road Safety Partnership van in Crumlin on Wednesday, 15th May.

The man was arrested after police responded to a call for assistance from colleagues operating the van.

pRoad Safety lead for the Antrim and Newtownabbey area, Chief Inspector Rory Bradley, said: "This is the latest in a number of recent incidents in which members of the public have approached Road Safety Partnership vans and attempted to impede them in their work. This must stop.

"Anyone who directs verbal or physical abuse towards camera operators can expect to be dealt with by police and the courts thereafter."

Chief Inspector Bradley continued: "The purpose of Safety Camera van deployments is to slow drivers' speeds and keep everyone safer on the roads. The vans are deployed to locations across Northern Ireland where there is a proven history of collisions, or where the local community has requested speed enforcement action.

"Unfortunately, 23 people have been killed on our roads already this year. Speeding is one of the 'Fatal Five' causes of these collisions.

"Our safety camera vans are a key element in reducing drivers' speed and we remain resolute in our determination to prevent the unnecessary deaths, injury and the harm speeding causes in communities."

You can find further details on the 'Fatal Five' initiative here - www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/roads-and-driving/fatal-five