Other NI News In Brief

Houses Evacuated After Gas Alert In East Belfast

Around 30 homes have been evacuated following a gas alert in east Belfast. According to the Fire Service, residents heard rumbling noises underneath their homes and reported a smell of gas. After taking carbon monoxide readings, properties were evacuated. Contractors investigating also found electric cables on fire. A 50-metre exclusion zone is in place.

Murder Retrial Law Comes Into Force

A law allowing retrials in serious criminal cases has come into effect in Ireland today, the Minister for Justice has announced. The Criminal Procedure Act 2010 ends the ban on retrying people who have been acquitted in serious cases where important new evidence emerges later about their involvement in the offence. Until today, those already tried for an offence could not be retried if acquitted under rules usually referred to as 'double jeopardy'.Announcing the new law, Dermot Ahern TD, said: "From today if new and compelling evidence emerges, or where the first trial was tainted by an issue such as perjury or intimidation, a individual can face a retrial. There would also be provision for a retrial where the judge at the first trial erred in law by, for example, excluding certain evidence."

Creeper Burglary Investigation

Police are investigating following a 'creeper burglary' in Keady, County Armagh. A house in Mullaghmore Park was entered at around 2.15am. The keys to a black Volkswagen Jetta car were removed from a handbag and the car was stolen. Police are keen to hear from anyone who knows of the current whereabouts of the car or anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the area. They can be contacted on 0845 600 8000.

(GK/KMcA)