Claire Williamson

A surge in sightings of the Comma butterfly has led to it being recognised as a resident species in Northern Ireland for the first time, with 170 recorded last year. Butterfly Conservation added the species to its Big Butterfly Count and urged the public to track sightings via its app from July 17 to August 9. Experts attribute the butterfly’s northward expansion to record hot weather, though other species such as the small tortoiseshell continue to decline. The charity says public participation will help map population changes linked to climate and habitat conditions.

Police in Ballymena are investigating the deaths of a man, woman and girl found inside a home on Old Cullybackey Road, believed to be a murder‑suicide with no ongoing risk to the public. Forensic officers and investigators remain at the scene as post‑mortem examinations are pending. Local political figures expressed shock and sympathy, while neighbours reported knowing little about the family. Authorities are reviewing CCTV and doorbell footage, with further updates expected as the investigation continues.

Police in Ballymena are investigating the deaths of three related individuals found in a home on Old Cullybackey Road, treating the case as a suspected murder‑suicide with no ongoing risk to the public. Forensic officers and investigators continue to examine the scene and gather CCTV footage as post‑mortem examinations are pending. Local political representatives expressed shock and extended condolences while urging the community to cooperate with police inquiries.

A banner featuring convicted paedophile Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife Eleanor was placed on a Sandy Row bonfire in Belfast ahead of its July 12 lighting. Donaldson, a former DUP leader and expelled Orange Order member, was recently convicted of historical sexual offences. Senior Orange Order figure Paul McMichael said the conviction deeply affected the organisation but welcomed his immediate expulsion, noting that large institutions inevitably encounter misconduct among members.

A banner showing Jeffrey and Eleanor Donaldson was placed on a bonfire in Sandy Row, Belfast, ahead of Twelfth celebrations. The appearance follows Jeffrey Donaldson’s recent conviction for sexual offences and Eleanor Donaldson’s finding of aiding and abetting. The Orange Order, which expelled Donaldson after the verdict, said the case caused significant hurt but did not damage the institution, emphasising that it does not condone such actions.

A man in his 30s was seriously injured after being assaulted by up to eight masked men armed with bats outside a property in Ballyclare. Police reported significant injuries to the victim’s leg, head, wrist and arms and said the attack demonstrated a disregard for human dignity and the rule of law. Authorities appealed for witnesses and requested dash‑cam or CCTV footage to assist the investigation.

A 20-year-old motorcyclist from the Poleglass area died from injuries sustained in a two-vehicle collision on July 5 in west Belfast. Police reported that the crash involved a blue Volkswagen Touran and a silver Yamaha Tracer on Shaws Road, with emergency services transporting the victim, TJ Kennedy, to hospital where he died on July 11. Investigators appealed for witnesses and footage to assist the ongoing inquiry.

A row of terraced houses in Carrickfergus was destroyed after a fire broke out near an Eleventh Night bonfire, prompting a major response from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service. Firefighters handled over 150 incidents during the night, more than a third linked to bonfires, including additional fires in Belfast, Cookstown, Antrim, Coleraine and Newry. Two homes were destroyed and others damaged, with the cause under investigation. The service urged public safety amid further bonfire events and continued warm weather.

A Moygashel bonfire topped with a replica mosque and anti-immigration signs was lit early to prevent police from removing the display during a planned operation. Justice Minister Naomi Long condemned the use of hateful symbols and urged community leaders to promote respectful cultural celebrations. Political representatives expressed concern over rising tensions, fear within local and Muslim communities, and ongoing controversies surrounding the annual bonfire. Police confirmed they were prepared to remove the items as part of a hate-crime investigation, and a 56-year-old man has been charged with incitement to hatred. Several parties criticised both the symbolism and the wider handling of the incident, calling for stronger political leadership and an end to recurring displays deemed racist and divisive.

The Northern Ireland Assembly has initiated a safeguarding review into Jeffrey Donaldson’s behaviour during his tenure as an MLA, following his conviction for child sex offences. The review, led by the director of parliamentary services, will run until late August and allow anyone connected with Parliament Buildings to report incidents involving Donaldson. He has also been removed from the Privy Council after requesting to relinquish his honours. Separately, the DUP has appointed safeguarding expert Jim Gamble to conduct an independent review of Donaldson’s conduct within the party amid new allegations and a recent police complaint.

Two people escaped injury after shots were fired at a house in Portrush, an incident police are treating as attempted murder. Multiple rounds struck bedroom windows and the front door. Investigators are examining a burnt-out car in Ballymoney believed to be linked to the attack and are seeking information, including sightings of a Volkswagen Passat or Jetta and any dash‑cam or CCTV footage.

A Moygashel bonfire featuring a replica mosque and anti‑immigration signage was lit early after residents anticipated police removal of the display. Police had initiated an operation to remove what they described as hate material, and a 56‑year‑old man was charged with incitement to hatred. Political and community figures condemned the display as racist and inflammatory, while some local representatives criticised the policing response. The incident heightened community tensions and renewed calls for firm political leadership against hate displays.

A bonfire in Moygashel containing a replica mosque and anti‑immigration slogans was set alight early as police prepared a major operation to remove what they described as a hate display. Officers said they intended to secure the site and seize the material as evidence before the fire was lit. A 56‑year‑old man has been charged with incitement to hatred. Political figures across Northern Ireland condemned the display as racist and inflammatory, while local representatives reported community concern and reduced policing patrols. The incident follows previous controversies surrounding the same bonfire, which has a history of provocative political imagery.