A substantial and viable bomb was planted near a courthouse in the North, police said today.

Two people have been arrested after an articulated lorry was hijacked in Derry ahead of a large loyalist parade in the city today.

Thousands of Apprentice Boys are expected in Derry today to take part in the annual commemoration of the relief of the city in 1689.

Tony Holland , chairman of the Parades Commission in Northern Ireland has been awarded a knighthood in the British Birthday Honours today.