Latest news with #PoliceServiceNI
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Two dead and two seriously injured in shooting in Co Fermanagh
Two people have died and two people have been seriously injured in a shooting incident in Co Fermanagh. Police said the incident happened in the Drummeer Road area of Maguiresbridge, and that officers were at the scene which had been cordoned off. A Police Service of Northern Ireland spokesperson said they could confirm that two people had died, and two people were being treated in hospital for serious injuries. Our officers are at the scene of a shooting incident within the Drummeer Road area of Maguiresbridge. Two people have died, and two people are being treated in hospital for serious injuries. An update will follow. Full details: — Police Fermanagh and Omagh (@PSNIFermOmagh) July 23, 2025 'We can advise there is no ongoing risk to the public,' they said. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said they received a 999 call at 0821 on Wednesday, and dispatched three emergency ambulances, one rapid response paramedic, two ambulance officers and an ambulance doctor to the scene. 'Following assessment and initial treatment at scene, one patient has been taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast by Air Ambulance and another to South West Acute Hospital by Ambulance,' they said. Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP Pat Cullen expressed her deep shock. 'Firstly my thoughts are with the victims and their families at this tragic time,' the Sinn Fein representative said. 'I am in contact with the police around this ongoing situation. Sinn Féin MP Pat Cullen has expressed her deep shock following the reports that two people have died in Fermanagh this morning.@patcullen9 — Sinn Féin (@sinnfeinireland) July 23, 2025 'Police are currently at the scene of an incident outside Maguiresbridge and there are a number of road closures while they carry out their investigations. 'I would urge people to not speculate on the details of this tragic and shocking incident.' DUP MLA Deborah Erskine described a truly shocking incident which has 'stunned the entire community'. 'The area of Maguiresbridge where this has happened is a rural, quiet area and everyone is deeply affected by what has happened this morning,' she said. 'My deepest condolences are with the families of those who have been killed as a result of this incident. Their lives have been turned upside down this morning. 'This morning I was speaking to police dealing with the incident. I paid tribute to the emergency services at the scene. I also appeal for privacy to allow the PSNI to carry out their investigations.'
The Independent
11-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Hate incident investigation after bonfire topped with migrant effigy lit in Northern Ireland
A loyalist bonfire in Moygashel, Co Tyrone, featuring a controversial effigy of migrants in a boat and an Irish tricolour flag, has been lit. The Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed they are investigating the pyre as a hate incident. The bonfire is one of around 300 expected to be lit across Northern Ireland on Thursday and Friday nights, ahead of the Orange Order's annual July 12 parades. The contentious display has drawn widespread criticism from political representatives across the entire spectrum in the region. Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland John McDowell described it as 'racist, threatening and offensive'. Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty International's Northern Ireland director, described the bonfire as a 'vile, dehumanising act that fuels hatred and racism'. The boat containing more than a dozen life-sized mannequins wearing life jackets was unveiled on top of the bonfire. Below the boat are several placards, one saying 'stop the boats' and another 'veterans before refugees'. The Moygashel bonfire has become well known in recent years for contentious displays. Last year, a mock police car was burnt on the top of the bonfire and in 2023 a boat designed to represent the post-Brexit Irish Sea economic border was torched. Prominent loyalist activist Jamie Bryson said it was a form of 'artistic protest'. 'Every year Moygashel bonfire combines artistic protest with their cultural celebration,' he posted on X. 'Their yearly art has itself become a tradition. 'This year the focus is on the scandal of mass illegal immigration.' Earlier on Thursday police said they had received a number of reports regarding the bonfire in Moygashel and the material on it. ' Police are investigating this hate incident. Police are here to help those who are or who feel vulnerable, to keep people safe,' they said. 'We do this by working with local communities, partners, elected representatives and other stakeholders to deliver local solutions to local problems, building confidence in policing and supporting a safe environment for people to live, work, visit and invest in Northern Ireland, but we can only do so within the legislative framework that exists.'
The Independent
11-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Anger after effigy of migrants in boat set on fire in Northern Ireland bonfire
A loyalist Bonfire in Moygashel, Co Tyrone, was lit, featuring a controversial effigy of migrants in a boat and an Irish tricolour flag. The display included more than a dozen life-sized mannequins wearing life jackets, alongside placards stating 'stop the boats' and 'veterans before refugees'. The Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed they are investigating the pyre as a hate incident. The contentious display drew widespread criticism from political representatives and human rights organisations, with one archbishop describing it as 'racist, threatening and offensive'. A prominent loyalist activist defended the Bonfire as a form of 'artistic protest' against 'mass illegal immigration', while the Moygashel Bonfire has a history of controversial displays.
Rhyl Journal
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Rhyl Journal
Contractor ‘on standby' to remove controversial Belfast bonfire
Legal action is also understood to be planned against the towering pyre close to an electricity substation which powers two major Belfast hospitals. On Wednesday night, the Police Service of Northern Ireland said it has received a formal request for assistance from Belfast City Council around the removal of the bonfire on Meridi Street. The Police Service of Northern Ireland have received a formal request for assistance from Belfast City Council in relation to the removal of material from a bonfire site at Meridi — Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) July 9, 2025 'We have declared this as a major incident and a Tactical Coordination Group has been established this evening with multi-agency partners to ensure joint understanding and to comprehensively assess all of the risks associated with this request,' they said. 'No decision has been taken at this stage and we continue to work with our partner agencies and community representatives on this matter.' Crowds gathered on the Donegall Road late on Wednesday night, briefly halting traffic as well as setting off a number of fireworks and lighting a small bonfire. Some vowed to remain in the area overnight to guard the bonfire, while access points to the site were blocked off. Crowds out around the bonfire off the Donegall Road in south Belfast, a few fireworks let off and a small bonfire lit but generally calm. Talk of camping out all night in case police and contractors come to remove it. Ways into the site blocked too. — Rebecca Black (@RBlackPA) July 9, 2025 The bonfire is set to be lit on July 11 ahead of annual Orange Order parades on July 12. NIE Networks said it has put mitigations in place at the substation to reduce the risk of damage at the site, which is also described as containing asbestos. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt visited the site on Tuesday to monitor the situation. A developer owns the land at the Broadway Industrial Estate off the Donegall Road where the bonfire is situated. Belfast City Council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee discussed the situation during a meeting on Wednesday. Sinn Fein MLA Pat Sheehan said the committee voted to have the bonfire removed from where it is currently situated. He also challenged deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly to 'speak out' and accused unionism of a 'lack of leadership'. 'My understanding is the contractor is now on standby,' he told media at Belfast City Hall on Wednesday afternoon. 'We can think of no other scenario where a structure like this beside electrical infrastructure wouldn't be swiftly removed, and that's the situation we're in at the minute. 'There has been a lack of leadership from unionism around this issue. 'If that bonfire was situated 200 yards across the Westlink, all of our political leadership would be out, calling for it to be removed and it would be removed. 'Contractors will move in at some stage to remove that bonfire.' He added: 'Why is Emma Little-Pengelly not out calling for that bonfire to be demolished and dismantled. 'The responsibility rests with unionism to show some leadership. 'This is clearly a health and safety issue, there's a danger to residents, to children, to patients and everyone around that surrounding area.' A spokesperson for Belfast City Council confirmed the committee approved the use of a contractor to remove bonfire materials from the site. 'Members of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee decided to approve the use of a contractor to remove bonfire materials from the site at Broadway Industrial Estate,' they said. 'Elected members also decided that the council would write to the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to seek assurance that the NIEA will fulfil its obligations in relation to the site.' A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) said it noted the council's decision, adding it 'will continue to fulfil its obligations in dealing with these issues acting within a strict legal framework'. 'The agency was first alerted to the issues around the Meridi Street bonfire on May 16 and has been engaging with both the landowner and the city council regularly on whether it is possible to remove the asbestos from this site before July 11 and, if not, on the mitigating measures that need to be in place,' they said. 'Removing asbestos from the site will be a complex and delicate operation that will require the site to be vacated and it will take a number of weeks. 'Staff from the Environmental Crime Unit within NIEA remain in ongoing contact with the council and landowner and the enforcement investigation continues in relation to the site.'
Daily Mail
09-07-2025
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Young boy killed in 'hit-and-run' car and scooter crash: Man, 51, arrested
A little boy has died in a horrific hit-and-run traffic collision in Northern Ireland, leading to the arrest of a 51-year-old man. The child was riding a scooter when he was hit at the Strand area of Portaferry yesterday evening. The News Letter reported that the 12-year-old was visiting the harbour town with friends but lived in a nearby village on the Ards Peninsula. He was fatally struck by a red Skoda Fabia and was rushed to hospital after emergency services were called at 11pm. A middle-aged man was arrested for a number of related offences and despite medical attention, the boy died of his injuries. DUP MP Jim Shannon for the area said he was 'so distressed' to hear of the accident, adding that 'any death is difficult, but the death of a child just hits that bit harder', according to the News Letter. The Strand was still closed today as police continued to investigate, with the cops urging the public to come forward if they have any dashcam footage of the devastating crash. If witnesses had any evidence of the collision they should reach out to Collision Investigation Unit detectives via 101, quoting reference number 1788 08/07/25. The unit's Inspector Cherith Adair for Police Service of Northern Ireland said: 'Shortly after 11pm, it was reported that a red Skoda Fabia and a scooter were involved in the collision. 'A young boy, who was riding the scooter, was taken to hospital but sadly died as a result of his injuries. 'One man aged 51 years old was subsequently arrested on suspicion of a number of related offences. 'He remains in police custody at this time. The Strand remains closed to traffic at this time. 'Enquiries are continuing, and anyone who witnessed the collision or who may have dashcam or other footage which could assist with our investigation, is asked to contact Collision Investigation Unit detectives via 101, quoting reference number 1788 08/07/25.'
