Other NI News In Brief

Residents Rescued From Belfast Flats Blaze

Fire crews have rescued residents from a blaze at a block of flats in Belfast. The fire broke out at the Ulidia House building on the Donegall Road, shortly after 2am on Wednesday morning. Firefighters rescued five people from a flat on the fifth floor of the complex, while nine others were led to safety from other floors in the building. The fire is believed to have started accidentally.

No Financial 'Black Hole', Says Dodds

Northern Ireland's Finance Minister, Nigel Dodds, has updated the Assembly on the current budgetary position in Northern Ireland - insisting that reports of a 'black hole' in the budget are untrue. He addressed the Assembly during a debate on the 'Strategic Stocktake' exercise carried out by his Department, which looked at the challenges facing the Executive over the coming years. Speaking after the debate, he addressed claims made by some MLAs that there should be a review of the budget due to a 'black hole' existing in Government finances. "There appears to be some confusion as regards the scale of the issues raised by departments in their Strategic Stocktake returns. Those who made claims of a 'black hole' are simply wrong, and betray a complete lack of understanding as regards the nature of the Strategic Stocktake exercise. I would like to make it very clear that there is no such 'black-hole' in the Executive's budget plans.

Pensioner Threatened With Screwdriver

A woman in her 90s has been threatened with a screwdriver during a robbery at her home in Lisburn. The incident happened around 6.40pm on Tuesday at the pensioner's home in Lagan View. Two men entered the house and ordered the woman to stay in a chair, while they ransacked the house, before making off with a sum of cash. Police have appealed for witnesses to contact them on: 0845 600 8000.

Two Arrested Following Taxi Firearms Discovery

Two men have been arrested following the discovery of a number of guns and a quantity of ammunition in a taxi in north Belfast. The discovery was made after police stopped the taxi on the Crumlin Road shortly before 5pm on Tuesday. Police are continuing to question the two men.

Lisburn Homes Developed

Twenty-two privately developed properties in Lisburn have been bought by the NI Government for social housing. The Causeway Meadows homes will be managed by Clanmil Housing, and have been described as a "important route" to shared future by Minister Margaret Ritchie. Ms Ritchie paid a visit to a number of families who have moved into the properties: "It is very rewarding for me to visit Causeway Meadows to meet families committed to securing a shared future for their children," she said. "The New Housing Agenda is not simply about increasing the supply of good quality, well-designed, energy efficient homes. It is as much about creating sustainable communities that welcome diversity in whichever form that exists."

(KMcA/BMcC)