Northern Ireland violence continues

Police and buildings have been attacked in a third night of violence in Northern ireland

Violence erupted in Ballymena after an initially peaceful protest on Monday, which was organised in response to an alleged sexual assault on Saturday evening. Two teenage boys appeared in court on Monday morning in relation to the assault, and confirmed their names and ages through a Romanian interpreter.

On Monday evening, people with their faces and hands covered attacked police and houses.

Throughout the week, homes and business have been attacked and vehicles set on fire.

Over Monday and Tuesday, 32 police officers were injured and six people arrested.

On Wednesday, masked youths attacked a leisure centre in Larne, whilst people were inside, and set it on fire. The leisure centre had been providing emergency shelter for families who had been affected by violence earlier in the week.

In Ballymena, officers were attacked with petrol bombs, heavy masonry, bricks and fireworks.

There has also been violence in Carrickfergus, north Belfast and Newtownabbey,

In Coleraine, a bus was attacked and prevented from entering the train station. Bins were also set alight on the train tracks.

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson of the PSNI said: “Last night a significant policing operation was again required on our streets to deal with violent disorder.

“This criminal behaviour has no place on the streets of Northern Ireland and is completely unacceptable.

“What we witnessed last night has caused fear and huge disruption within our communities, including to our local transport network and community services.

“Police officers came under attack from petrol bombs, fireworks and heavy masonry. 

“A hatchet was also thrown at police lines during this disorder in a clear attempt to seriously injure our officers – and I thank them once again for their continued efforts putting themselves on the line keeping our streets safe.

He continued: “We made six arrests last night during this disorder and more will follow. We are working hard to identify all those responsible in this criminal disorder, and those involved will be dealt with using the full force of the law.

“We are now in the process of gathering evidence, CCTV and other footage of yesterday’s disorder, and anyone who has information or who can help identify those responsible is asked to contact police on 101.

“I would strongly urge anyone who was involved in yesterday’s rioting and disorder to think long and hard about their actions and its impact. I would also appeal for calm voices and cool heads to reduce tensions.”

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, said: "I utterly condemn the terrible scenes of civil disorder in Ballymena, and other reported disorder, over recent days. There is no place for this kind of violence in Northern Ireland.

"The PSNI must be given the time they need to properly investigate the distressing incident concerned.

"There is absolutely no justification for the disgraceful attacks we have seen on PSNI officers, and on people’s homes and property.

"This appalling violence and vandalism must cease immediately, and those involved will be brought to justice."