Other News In Brief

Police Appeal After Man Flees From Crashes Vehicle

Police are appealing for information following a high-speed pursuit on the A1 into Hillsborough on Monday afternoon.

The incident began at around 3.20pm when police officers witnessed a black Hyundai Santa Fe acting suspiciously. When police tried to stop the car, the male driver made off in the direction of Hillsborough, and a short pursuit ensued. The vehicle then collided with a house in the Park Street area of Hillsborough a short time later and the driver made off on foot.

Police have appealed to anyone who witnessed the collision or who seen a man in a dark coat with an orange stripe in the area at around 3.30pm to contact Police on 101 and quote reference 1014 02/09/24.

Officers have also appeal to anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage to contact them.

An online report can also be made here.

SDLP Welcomes Govt Decision To Suspend 30 Arms Export Licenses

The SDLP has welcomed the news that the UK Government will suspend 30 arms export licenses to Israel following the receipt of legal advice that there is a clear risk that exports will be used to commit serious violations of international humanitarian law.

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood, MLA, has been urging the new government to take immediate action to suspend arms exports following clear evidence of a genocide in Gaza.

Mr Eastwood said: "Gaza has been reduced to ashes. Entire families and communities have been erased as a result of the appalling genocide being inflicted on Palestinians by Netanyahu's government. There is no sanctuary - hospitals, schools, playgrounds, family homes all destroyed under an unrelenting, unconscionable bombardment.

"Governments around the world have been far too slow to respond. We have watched, in real time, as war crimes have been conducted against a civilian population streamed on our televisions and phones. It is a stain on the international community.

"Today's announcement that the British Government will suspend 30 arms exports licenses is of course welcome. Removing the tools of genocide from a government that has been eager to deploy overwhelming and devastating deadly force against children can only be a good thing.

"I hope this move is interpreted as a clear statement by Netanyahu and his government. This has to stop now. Hamas must release the hostages they have taken and Israel must abandon its attempt to erode and erase the population of Gaza."

DUP Welcomes New Guidance On Mobile Phone Use In Schools

The DUP has welcomed the Education Minister's guidance for schools on the use of mobile phones.

North Down MLA Peter Martin, said: "This is a positive step forward by the Minister and it is an example of policy following the evidential base to help pupils and the wider school environment.

"Young people, and particularly those in their teenage years face challenges and pressures different to those of any previous generation. Whilst accepting that mobile phones and other technology will be a part of our lives, we shouldn't be blind to the problems and harm they can bring, particularly for children and young people . This announcement won't tackle all the issues young people face, but it can make a difference in terms of the misuse of phones in school, helping improve mental health and to provide a better learning environment.

"Evidence in other jurisdictions have shown that schools with an effective restriction on phone usage were seeing improvements in their academic achievements. There are already some schools locally with such policies in place and a more standardised approach will be helpful both for the schools to enforce the policy and for pupils and parents to know what is expected of them.

"If we are serious about giving our young people the best possible opportunities and to tackle issues such as poor mental health then we must look at every opportunity to do so. Today's announcement is a welcome move in that direction."