In Short

A round-up of today's other news stories in brief

A round-up of today's other news stories in brief

Man dies after brawl in west Belfast

A man died last night after a fight in west Belfast. The PSNI said the brawl occurred at Whitecliff Parade in Ballymurphy, around 4pm. It is understood the victim, who was in his 40s, was stabbed.

He was one of three men taken to hospital following the fight. The other two men are thought to be stable.

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A police spokesman said: "The PSNI are appealing for support from the west Belfast community to help us gather the vital information we need to find the person responsible for this tragic incident." It is understood there is no suggestion of paramilitary involvement in the killing.

Winter bug closes Nenagh hospital

Admissions to Nenagh hospital were postponed yesterday following an outbreak of the winter vomiting virus. A doctor said "chronic" over-crowding was a contributing factor, writes Peter Gleeson.

Four cases of the virus have been confirmed and another 14 are suspected. The hospital has experienced outbreaks of the highly infectious illness before, but this is the first time medics have had to postpone admissions.

Dispute threatens North's post

An unofficial postal dispute has spread from a Belfast sorting office to the Royal Mail main depot in Co Antrim, threatening deliveries across Northern Ireland and cross-Border services. Forty staff at the central depot in Mallusk stopped work yesterday in support of 200 striking colleagues in Belfast despite threats of legal action from company bosses.

The dispute arose from workers' claims that they are being unfairly treated and victimised under shopfloor grievance procedures.

High level negotiations began yesterday between union and management in London amid fears that post between Northern Ireland and Britain could be hit.

Postal deliveries have been disrupted in Belfast since Tuesday.

Cab to recruit legal officer

The Criminal Assets Bureau (Cab) is seeking a bureau legal officer after the current holder of the post decided to step down. The Department of Justice has placed advertisements in the media for the €150,000 per annum position.

The bureau's legal officer helps to plan and steer Cab's actions targeting the proceeds of crime and gathering unpaid taxes from criminals.

He provides legal advice to Cab's director, Det Chief Supt Felix McKenna.