Andrew Madden

A man in his 20s suffered a suspected broken jaw and a head injury after being assaulted by an unknown male in Belfast’s Lombard Street area shortly after 10.15pm on Friday. He was taken to hospital, and the Police Service of Northern Ireland is appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to contact police or Crimestoppers.

More than £45,000 worth of equipment was stolen from Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service stations over four years, involving five break-ins and 47 items. Stolen gear included tools and equipment used to rescue people from serious road traffic collisions. Annual losses rose from £900 in 2022/23 to £17,667 in 2023/24 and £15,791 in 2024/25, before reaching £11,077 in the year to April. NIFRS condemned the thefts, said they could affect emergency responses, and is reviewing security measures with the Police Service of Northern Ireland. The service is also under financial pressure, with Health Minister Mike Nesbitt warning that the absence of an agreed three-year Executive budget is limiting investment, recruitment, retention and long-term resilience.

Jonathan Anderson will present the Dior Fall 2027 Show at Trinity College Dublin on December 4, marking his first collection shown in Ireland. The Magherafelt-born designer, now creative director at Dior, highlighted the personal significance of returning to Dublin, where he began his fashion career. The announcement follows recent attention on Anderson’s work creating Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding outfits. His family expressed pride in his accomplishments, and the event builds on a career that includes leadership roles at Dior and Loewe.

Tyrella Beach in County Down was named Northern Ireland’s top beach in the Sunday Times 50 Best UK Beaches guide, which evaluated 607 locations through a 12‑point inspection. The beach earned praise for accessibility, views and family‑friendly facilities, and has held Blue Flag status since 1997. Three other Northern Ireland beaches—Cranfield, Benone and Whitepark Bay—also made the list. Travel writer Chris Haslam highlighted increasing beauty across UK coastlines and encouraged holidaymakers to choose local beaches during the ongoing heatwave.