Kurtis Reid

A man sustained serious shoulder and arm injuries, along with bruising to his upper body, during an assault at a music event in Belfast’s Custom House Square area on 8 August. The Police Service of Northern Ireland received a report on 17 August and is investigating, appealing for witnesses to provide information.

A man in his 40s was arrested on August 19 on suspicion of attempted murder after masked gunmen fired at a house in the Breton Court area of Lisburn on August 11. CCTV showed two men approaching the property, with one firing at the front door and an upstairs window while the other damaged a parked car. No one inside was injured. The suspect was released on bail pending further police enquiries.

A man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after shots were fired at a house in Breton Court, Lisburn, on August 11. CCTV reportedly showed two masked men arriving by BMW, one firing at the property while the other smashed a car window, before both fled. No one inside was injured, although the house and a parked car were damaged. The arrested man was released on bail pending further police enquiries.

Police are investigating a sudden death at a property in the Wakehurst Park area of Ballymena, County Antrim, reported shortly after 10am on 18 August 2026. The Police Service of Northern Ireland said a post-mortem examination will take place in due course.

Police closed the Lecky Road flyover in Derry after youths built a bonfire in the middle of the road, making it impassable. Several roads in the Bogside area were also blocked, and diversions were put in place. The Police Service of Northern Ireland urged motorists to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.

The DuRoBo Krono is a 6.13-inch Android e-paper device designed for distraction-free reading, note-taking and access to apps such as Kindle, Kobo, Libby and Pocket. Its sharp 300ppi E-Ink display, adjustable front light, lightweight design, strong battery life and Google Play support are major strengths. The Smart Dial and AI transcription tools are useful but not essential, while some Android apps and menus are poorly optimised for E-Ink and the device lacks waterproofing. At £249, it does not replace a smartphone or tablet but offers a distinctive, comfortable alternative for users seeking fewer distractions.

Former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams said Orange Order members should be allowed to march where they are welcome, while describing the organisation as sectarian and expressing concern about Eleventh Night bonfires and their impact on host communities. He urged unionist leaders to address bonfire safety following the death of Warren Lyttle. Adams also questioned how senior Democratic Unionist Party figures could have been unaware of allegations concerning former leader Jeffrey Donaldson, who was convicted of 18 child sex offences, and said the party had substantial questions to answer.

Former Belfast Telegraph picture editor Peter Rainey has died aged 57, prompting tributes from colleagues and friends across Northern Ireland’s photography and journalism communities. Kevin Scott credited Rainey with giving him his first industry opportunity and supporting generations of photographers, while David McCormick remembered their nearly four-decade friendship beginning at Pacemaker Press. Alan Lewis and John McVitty also praised Rainey’s professionalism, photographic instinct and kindness. Originally from east Belfast, Rainey was a lifelong Glentoran and Liverpool supporter and devoted father to Harry and Tom.

A 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm after another man in his 30s was stabbed in Belfast’s Bank Square area. The victim sustained injuries to his torso and leg and was taken to hospital in serious but not life-threatening condition. Police said the suspect remained in custody while enquiries continued and appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Thousands attended DJ Ben Nicky’s outdoor concert at Falls Park in west Belfast as part of Féile an Phobail. The event featured support acts, pyrotechnics and what organisers described as Belfast’s biggest-ever laser show. The concert was one of the festival’s headline music events, with another large charity gig by Kneecap scheduled for August 6 to support Irish-language community projects in west Belfast and Derry.

Dáithí Mac Gabhann’s family shared video of the nine-year-old reuniting with his younger brother, Cairbre Frances, at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital after receiving a donor heart earlier in the week. Dáithí, who was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and had waited eight years for a suitable match, is showing early signs of recovery. His father praised the medical team, including surgeon Dr Mohamed Nassar. The family’s organ-donation campaign contributed to Northern Ireland’s introduction of Dáithí’s Law, and the transplant has prompted widespread public and political support.

Northern Ireland broadcaster Gerry Kelly has died at 77 at home surrounded by his family. The Ballymena-born presenter was best known for UTV’s long-running chat and variety programme Kelly, which aired 571 episodes and featured prominent guests from entertainment, sport and politics. Former colleagues including Ivan Little, Mike Nesbitt, Adrian Logan, Ralph McLean and William Crawley praised his interviewing ability, warmth, fairness and mentorship. Kelly also worked in radio and later returned to television through NVTV, continuing to support emerging broadcasters until his death.

Legendary Northern Irish broadcaster Gerry Kelly has died at his home aged 77, surrounded by family. Best known for UTV’s weekly talk and variety show Kelly, which ran for 571 episodes from 1989 to 2005, he interviewed prominent figures from entertainment, sport and public life, including a young Rory McIlroy and George Best. Former colleagues and public figures, including Ivan Little, Mike Nesbitt, Adrian Logan, Ralph McLean, William Crawley and Emma Little-Pengelly, praised his warmth, curiosity, interviewing skill and influence on generations of broadcasters. Kelly also worked with BBC Radio Ulster and later presented programmes on NVTV, including Conversations with Gerry Kelly, continuing to contribute to broadcasting and mentor emerging talent.

Gerry Kelly, the Ballymena-born broadcaster who died aged 77 surrounded by his family, is being remembered across Northern Ireland as an exceptionally skilled interviewer, presenter and mentor. Colleagues including Ivan Little, Mike Nesbitt, Adrian Logan and William Crawley praised his warmth, curiosity, fairness and ability to draw revealing conversations from guests. Kelly spent more than four decades in television and radio, becoming best known for UTV's 571-episode weekly programme Kelly, which featured prominent guests and achieved its highest audience with a 2000 interview with George Best. He later presented on BBC Radio Ulster and returned to television through NVTV projects, including Conversations with Gerry Kelly.

The iGulu F1 Smart All-in-One Home Brewer automates fermentation, refrigeration and dispensing, producing beer and other fermented drinks with minimal effort. Its intuitive controls, easy cleaning, compatibility with standard 5-litre kegs and high-quality draft results make it accessible to beginners and useful for entertaining. However, its £699 price means it is best suited to regular home brewers or households that frequently serve drinks, rather than occasional users. The review rates it 4/5.

A gorse fire broke out in the Murlough nature reserve near Royal County Down Golf Club in Newcastle. A staff member trained as a firefighter raised the alarm, while the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service responded with four appliances and support from Newcastle Fire Station. Club sprinklers and high-capacity hydrants helped prevent the blaze from spreading to the championship course, which sustained no damage. Staff continued monitoring the area because of prolonged dry weather.

A woman identified as Natasha Gove, also known as Natasha Robinson, died alongside a 41‑year‑old man in a single‑vehicle crash on Glenariffe Road in County Antrim. Tributes from family and friends described her as kind and deeply missed. Emergency services pronounced both occupants of the van dead at the scene, and police have appealed for witnesses or dash‑cam footage as their investigation continues.