Gabrielle Swan

A woman in her 50s died after being struck by a car on Drumrane Road in Limavady before 2:50 p.m. on Sunday. Police and ambulance personnel attended and provided medical treatment, but she later died from her injuries. The road was temporarily closed and has since reopened. Local MLAs and councillors expressed condolences to the woman’s family and thanked emergency services, while the PSNI Collision Investigation Unit appealed for witnesses and additional information as enquiries continue.

Two men aged 20 and 37 and two women aged 28 and 21 were released on bail after being arrested over an altercation in the Beresford Avenue area of Coleraine. They were questioned on suspicion of offences including assault occasioning actual bodily harm, possession of an offensive weapon in public and disorderly behaviour. Police are continuing their enquiries and have appealed for witnesses or relevant footage.

Four people—a 20-year-old man, a 37-year-old man, and two women aged 28 and 21—were arrested after an altercation on Beresford Avenue in Coleraine. They were questioned on suspicion of offences including assault occasioning actual bodily harm, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and disorderly behaviour, and were released on bail to allow further enquiries. Police have appealed for witnesses or video footage, citing reference 1468 12/08/26.

Traffic delays are expected in Portrush on Saturday as an anti-immigration rally and parade organised by the Causeway Coast and Glens Concerned Parents group, linked to Our Northern Ireland Voice, coincide with Solidarity Skate’s permitted parade and counter-protest. Police said temporary road closures will operate between 3:30pm and 6pm, with officers facilitating both events. The rally is expected to draw about 100 participants, while Solidarity Skate anticipates 100 participants and 400 supporters.

A replica 17th‑century Spanish galleon, El Galeón Andalucía, is set to depart Coleraine Harbour after an extended stay caused by poor sea conditions. Built by the non-profit Fundación Nao Victoria and crewed by 28 volunteers, the ship drew large crowds and provided visitors with historical insight during its visit. Harbour Commission chair Rob Skelly highlighted the vessel’s positive impact on local visibility, while crew member Ethan Snyder described daily life on board and the challenges of navigating the harbour’s restricted channel. The ship plans to continue its journey to Oban once conditions improve.

The Red Sails Festival in Portstewart returns from July 19–25 with a diverse schedule of music, children’s activities, street performances and community events. Supported for the first time by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and long-term partner Radius Housing, the festival includes the Blessing of the Boats, live broadcasts by Hugo Duncan, workshops, a kite display, a children’s parade and a final-night fireworks display. Organisers highlight the festival’s community focus, with updates available locally and via social media.

The Stitches Comedy Festival returns to Ballycastle on July 17 and 18 with a new lineup of comedians performing at the community venue the Yarn. Hosted again by Irish comedian Peter Flanagan, the event features Laura Smyth, Killian Sundermann, Sharon Mannion, Alison Spittle, and Micky Bartlett, with Saturday’s show already sold out. Organisers highlight strong support from the local community and growing interest from visitors across Ireland and abroad, reinforcing Ballycastle’s reputation as a vibrant cultural destination.

A £4,000 grant from Belfast Harbour will enable conservation group Sea2it to tag and monitor critically endangered flapper skates in Northern Ireland waters, helping identify movement patterns and guide fishery management to reduce accidental catches. Director Richard Connor says the species, now UNESCO red‑listed, is as threatened as pandas and Siberian tigers. The project builds on previous Sea2it initiatives focused on water quality, invasive species awareness and wildlife monitoring across the region.

A 76-year-old Portrush man, Bernard Hugh “Brian” McLaughlin, who died after going missing on July 1, is remembered for his decades of volunteer service with the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul and his work at St Patrick’s Church. Community members, clergy and local MLA Cara Hunter offered tributes describing him as humble, kind and deeply committed to his parish. His funeral will take place on July 7 at St Patrick’s Church, followed by burial at Ballywillan Cemetery.