Jab may end acne misery for millions
Aircraft used to assess Primark blaze damage
BELFAST YESTERDAY
A DRONE was deployed at the gutted Primark store yesterday as experts assessed damage at the historic building.
A team wearing high-vis Sky Watch Search & Rescue vests worked alongside firefighters to establish the full extent of the devastation.
Images from the scene in Belfast city centre showed the small aerial device hovering around what is left of The Bank Buildings.
Sky Watch’s Paul Trimble told the Mirror they were called in by the fire service to help give the building a “structural assessment”.
He added the drone footage will be studied by specialists to ensure the safety of both firefighters and the building.
Mr Trimble said issues being monitored include “bowing” in walls or structures in the building.
The move came as sources indicated the front facade may be stable enough to save.
However, it is understood at least one column, along the Castle Street side, has bowed leading to concerns it may be unstable.
It was confirmed yesterday the building was still burning after it went up in flames on Tuesday, with firefighters continuing to tackle “pockets” within the structure.
A fire service spokesperson said operations had been scaled back, but revealed there had been further structural collapse with one appliance due to remain at the scene overnight. Earlier, Lord Mayor Deirdre Hargey said engineers are “currently looking at how they might be able to preserve the facade”.
She added: “The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service has worked round the clock to extinguish the Devastated Primark store fire and keep the public safe and it’s encouraging to hear the operation is being scaled back and the cordon has been reduced. Fourteen businesses remain within the cordon.
“Council is committed to doing everything it can to assist in the recovery operation and keep Belfast city centre open for business and it’s important that as a city we rally round to support those affected by this devastating event.
“The first priority for all those involved in the recovery operation must be to make the building and surrounding area safe.
“Bank Buildings is an important part of Belfast’s built heritage and the damage to this beautiful building has caused a real sense of sadness and shock.
“Every effort will be made to preserve the building and save the facade.
“This is a complex piece of bespoke engineering and it will be some time before the building can be properly assessed.
“Belfast City Council will continue to host meetings for key holders and businesses to provide information and support in the days ahead.
“Council officers are also in close contact with businesses in the immediate area of the fire to offer whatever support they can to ensure they can continue to operate where possible.
“We are liaising with representatives from Primark to assist in any way we can should they wish to seek alternative accommodation within the city centre.” Aircraft moves in ACNE could be wiped out with a simple injection, scientists have revealed.
The vaccine destroys bacteria that trigger spots, preventing them from forming in the first place.
It marks a breakthrough in the battle against acne, which blights the lives of millions across the world and can leave sufferers feeling suicidal.
Dermatologist Professor Chun-ming Huang led the research at the University of California, San Diego.
He said: “The potential impact of our findings is huge for acne sufferers.”
Tests on mice and human skin were so successful, plans are being made to try it on sufferers.
Most current treatments are ineffective.
The best, the drug Roaccutane, can have serious side-effects.
Council is committed to doing everything it can to assist
DEIRDRE HARGEY