Other News In Brief

Two Arrested Following String Of Armed Robberies In Mid Ulster

Police in Mid Ulster have arrested two men in connection with a series of armed robberies that took place on Thursday morning, 30th January.

The robberies occurred at three separate commercial premises in Ballyronan, Coagh, and Clonoe. In each incident, two masked men threatened staff and demanded cash.

"Staff were threatened by two masked men - and were ordered to hand over a sum of cash," said Detective Sergeant Robinson.

The suspects are believed to have used a blue Audi A6, stolen from Portadown, during the robberies. The vehicle was later found burned at Drumcree Community Centre.

Following an investigation, detectives conducted searches at properties in the Churchill Park area of Portadown on Thursday night. Two men, aged 30 and 50, were arrested on suspicion of involvement in the robberies. An electronic device was also seized for forensic examination.

"They have both been taken to police custody for questioning," said Detective Sergeant Robinson.

Police are appealing to anyone with information or relevant CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage to contact them on 101, quoting reference number 201 30/01/25. Information can also be submitted online or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

SF MLA To Attend The Hague Group Inauguration

Sinn Féin MLA, Declan Kearney, is travelling to The Hague, Netherlands to attend the inauguration of 'The Hague Group'; which will establish a unified governmental bloc to support South Africa's action against Israel at the International Court of Justice, and also maximise international diplomatic and legal action in support of Palestinian national and human rights. 

He will join the South African Foreign Minister, the Justice Minister of Namibia, and senior government representatives and diplomats from other key states which are leading solidarity with Palestine, including Colombia, Chile, Honduras, Malaysia, and Belizes. Speaking ahead of the visit, the South Antrim MLA and the party's National Chairperson, said: "Sinn Féin's participation in the launch of 'The Hague Group' underlines our unambiguous support for the Palestinian peoples' right to self determination and national freedom, and for a unified global approach to the implementation of international humanitarian law; each of which is important to peace in the region, and the maintenance of the ceasefire.

"'The Hague Group' is a watershed moment in developing coordinated international state action against the use of genocide, occupation, apartheid, and ethnic cleansing against the Palestinian people.

"It's inauguration comes almost one year to the day since 26 January 2024 when the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued provisional measures deeming a "plausible case of genocide" by Israel in Gaza, following South Africa's legal action under the Genocide Convention.

"Since then Israel has continued to defy the ICJ and international law, successive resolutions passed at the UN General Assembly, as well as the rulings of the International Criminal Court.

Coordinated global, legal and political action is now urgently needed to build on the courageous moral leadership given by the government of South Africa.

"The formation of 'The Hague Group' is a hugely significant development. It is a decisive initiative aimed at maximising international pressure for sanctions and an arms embargo against Israel until the genocide ends, Palestinian national sovereignty and self determination are secured, and an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital is established."

Alliance Councillor Condemns Coleraine Shooting

Alliance Councillor Yvonne Boyle has expressed shock after a man in his 70s was shot five times during a home invasion in Coleraine yesterday evening.

The attack occurred around 7:50 pm on Thursday when a number of masked men broke into the man's home in the Ballygallin Park area. The victim sustained injuries to his head and torso and was taken to hospital. His condition is not believed to be life-threatening.

"This attack was sickening and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms," said Councillor Boyle. "The local community is in complete shock following this incident. Those who carried it out do not represent anyone except themselves and their violence is not wanted in Coleraine or anywhere else."

Councillor Boyle extended her thoughts to the victim and wished him a full recovery. She urged anyone with information on the incident to contact the police immediately.