Justice Minister voices concern over time taken to find Tina Satchwell's body
The Minister for Justice has raised concern with the Garda Commissioner over how long it took to find the body of murder victim Tina Satchwell.
Jim O'Callaghan also said it would be preferable if An Garda Siochana had its own cadaver dog to help find human remains.
He said there is currently just one cadaver dog on the island of Ireland which belongs to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
It was announced last week that both the investigation into the murder of Mrs Satchwell, and of Co Kerry farmer Michael Gaine, will be reviewed.
A report is to be compiled and given to Mr O'Callaghan on Mrs Satchwell's disappearance while the case of Mr Gaine is undergoing a peer review.
Speaking on RTE Radio One's This Week programme, Mr O'Callaghan said he had his quarterly meeting with Garda Commissioner Drew Harris last week and brought up the murder of Mrs Satchwell.
"I think from the outset it has to be said that gardai deserve to be commended for getting justice in this case," he said.
"The person responsible for her murder, Richard Satchwell, is now serving a life sentence.
"However I did raise with the commissioner concern about the fact it had taken a considerable period of time to find her body and he said he is going to prepare a report on that."
It took six years before Mrs Satchwell's body was found.
Mr O'Callaghan pointed out there are "very devious people out there who go to very great lengths to hide their crimes".
"That was the case with Richard Satchwell, and it is also the case with the person responsible for the murder of Mike Gaine who hasn't yet been apprehended," he said.
Asked whether a cadaver dog should have been brought into the Satchwell home in 2017 during the investigation, Mr O'Callaghan said "probably, it should have happened".
He said he also spoke to Mr Harris about the effectiveness of cadaver dogs.
"They're a very specialised dog in terms of trying to train them, there is one on the island of Ireland, the PSNI has one," he said.
"That dog is sought by many police forces in Britain as well. We got the use of the dog here and he was of much assistance.
"It obviously would be preferable if we had a cadaver dog. They have a very limited work life, cadaver dogs, they're only operational for a period of about three years, they have to go through a very difficult training process.
"It would be preferable if the cadaver dog available on the island had been used earlier."
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Irish Times
35 minutes ago
- Irish Times
Three teenagers appear in court over rioting in Ballymena
Three teenagers have appeared in court charged with rioting offences following recent violence in Ballymena, Co Antrim. A district judge in the town's magistrates' court said a strong message had to be sent out that those involved in the disorder would be dealt with 'robustly' by the court. The town has witnessed three nights of sustained violence and attacks on police in disturbances that followed an alleged sex attack on a teenage girl at the weekend. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has described the violence as 'racist thuggery'. It said officers and ethnic minorities have been targeted for attack. READ MORE Michael Elliott (18) of Lanntara, Ballymena, appeared in court on Thursday. A PSNI detective constable said he could connect him to a charge of riotous assembly. The officer told the court that Mr Elliott was arrested at 11.50pm on Tuesday night following an incident where a house on Bridge Street had been set on fire. The detective constable said it was originally believed the occupants were still inside the property. Mr Elliott was detained after he was seen running from the scene, the court was told. He was wearing gloves and a balaclava, the court heard. During police interview he had made admissions to the offence of riotous assembly, the detective said. He told police during interview he had become involved in the disorder because others were involved and blamed the situation on police. The detective constable said there was 'strong public feeling' currently within Ballymena. He said police believed it is important that courts send out a 'strong message'. He said if the court did not, there was a risk of further disorder that could lead to 'death or serious injury' for foreign nationals living in Ballymena. A defence solicitor said his client's involvement was limited to 'throwing stones'. The district judge told Mr Elliott he was a young man who now found himself in the dock in court. He said the court would deal 'robustly' with people whose involvement in the disorder is backed up by evidence. The judge refused an application for bail. He said: 'Your case should be an example to others who are considering getting involved in further public disorder.' The judge said there was a high likelihood that those who were charged over rioting would be refused bail and would face a significant custodial sentence if convicted. He remanded Mr Elliott in custody until July 10th. A 15-year-old boy appeared charged with riotous assembly and criminal damage. The detective constable said he was arrested on the second night of disorder in Ballymena, which involved hundreds of people. He said police observed footage showing bins set on fire at a retail park. The officer told the court that when the youth was arrested, he had in his possession a bottle, a large rock and a balaclava. The officer said there had been 'serious racially aggravated public disorder' in Ballymena. A defence lawyer said his client accepted possession of the three items and that he should not have been in the area. The lawyer said perhaps the teenager had 'got involved in the excitement'. District Judge Nigel Broderick said anyone should be 'disabused of the notion that rioting is any form of excitement'. He said the court needs to take measures to protect the public. The judge added: 'I agree that a strong message needs to be sent out that those, young and old, who get involved will be dealt with robustly by the courts.' He rejected bail and remanded the 15-year-old to appear at a youth court on June 18th. A 17-year-old appeared charged with riotous assembly. The detective constable said he was arrested in a retail park wearing a balaclava and dark clothing, which matched the description of those involved in the rioting. A defence solicitor said there were a vast number of people wearing dark clothing and balaclavas who were not involved in rioting. He said nothing 'beyond mere presence and the clothing he was wearing' tied his client to the offences. The detective said there was an extensive amount of CCTV footage still to be examined. The lawyer said there had been a 'rush to charge' his client. The judge said he was satisfied the 17-year-old could be connected to the charge. There was no application for bail and he was remanded to appear in youth court on June 18th. - PA
Sunday World
an hour ago
- Sunday World
Judge warns those involved in Ballymena disorder will be dealt with ‘robustly'
The Co Antrim town has witnessed three nights of sustained violence and attacks on police Heavy police presence in Ballymena this evening on the third night of disorder. Photo: Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press Police in Ballymena during a third consecutive night of unrest. Photo by Press Eye Three teenagers have appeared in court charged with rioting offences following recent violence in Ballymena. A district judge in the town's magistrates' court said a strong message had to be sent out that those involved in the disorder would be dealt with 'robustly' by the court. The Co Antrim town has witnessed three nights of sustained violence and attacks on police in disturbances which followed an alleged sex attack on a teenage girl at the weekend. Heavy police presence in Ballymena this evening on the third night of disorder. Photo: Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has branded the violence 'racist thuggery' and said officers and ethnic minorities have been targeted for attack. Michael Elliott, 18, of Lanntara, Ballymena, appeared in the dock in handcuffs and wearing a grey tracksuit on Thursday. A PSNI detective constable said he could connect him to a charge of riotous assembly. The officer told the court that Elliott was arrested at 11.50pm on Tuesday night following an incident where a house on Bridge Street had been set on fire. The detective constable said it was originally believed the occupants were still inside the property. Elliott was detained after he was seen running from the scene, the court was told. He was wearing gloves and a balaclava, the court heard. During police interview he had made admissions to the offence of riotous assembly, the detective said. He told police during interview he had become involved in the disorder because others were involved and blamed the situation on police. The detective constable said there was 'strong public feeling' currently within Ballymena. Police in Ballymena during a third consecutive night of unrest. Photo by Press Eye Today's News in 90 Seconds - June 12th He said police believed it is important that courts send out a 'strong message'. He said if the court did not, there was a risk of further disorder that could lead to 'death or serious injury' for foreign nationals living in Ballymena. A defence solicitor said his client's involvement was limited to 'throwing stones'. The district judge told Elliott he was a young man who now found himself in the dock in court. He said the court would deal 'robustly' with those where there was evidence they were involved in the disorder. The judge refused an application for bail. He said: 'Your case should be an example to others who are considering getting involved in further public disorder.' The judge said there was a high likelihood that those who were charged over rioting would be refused bail and would face a significant custodial sentence if convicted. Police in Ballymena during a third consecutive night of unrest. Photo by Press Eye PSNI give update on Ballymena unrest He remanded Elliott in custody until July 10. A 15-year-old boy appeared in the dock charged with riotous assembly and criminal damage. The detective constable said he was arrested on the second night of disorder in Ballymena involving hundreds of people. He said police observed footage showing bins set on fire at a retail park. The officer told the court that when the youth was arrested, he had in his possession a bottle, a large rock and a balaclava. The officer said there had been 'serious racially aggravated public disorder' in Ballymena. A defence lawyer said his client accepted possession of the three items and that he should not have been in the area. The lawyer said perhaps the teenager had 'got involved in the excitement'. District Judge Broderick said anyone should be 'disabused of the notion that rioting is any form of excitement'. He said the court needs to take measures to protect the public. The judge added: 'I agree that a strong message needs to be sent out that those, young and old, who get involved will be dealt with robustly by the courts.' He rejected bail and remanded the 15-year-old to appear at a youth court on June 18. A 17-year-old appeared in the dock charged with riotous assembly. The detective constable said he was arrested in a retail park wearing a balaclava and dark clothing, which matched the description of those involved in the rioting. A defence solicitor said there were a vast number of people wearing dark clothing and balaclavas who were not involved in rioting. He said nothing 'beyond mere presence and the clothing he was wearing' tied his client to the offences. The detective said there was an extensive amount of CCTV footage still to be examined. The lawyer said there had been a 'rush to charge' his client. The judge said he was satisfied the 17-year-old could be connected to the charge. There was no application for bail and he was remanded to appear in youth court on June 18.
Irish Independent
an hour ago
- Irish Independent
Ballymena riots: Michelle O'Neill calls for DUP minister to resign over social media post after third night of racist violence
Officers responded with water cannon, dogs and plastic baton rounds in an attempt to disperse crowds in the Co Antrim town. The violence began around Clonavon Terrace in Balymena on Monday night following an earlier peaceful protest which was organised in support of the family of a girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the area. Two teenage boys, who spoke to a court through a Romanian interpreter, have been charged. Families in some areas have resorted to marking their nationality with flags on their front doors after masked gangs targeted homes thought to belong to foreign families in the area. Unrest spread to other towns on Wednesday, including Coleraine and Larne – where the leisure centre was set on fire by masked vandals who also smashed windows. The facility had temporarily been used as emergency shelter for those in urgent need following disturbances in Ballymena earlier in the week. Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill has said DUP Communities Minister Gordon Lyons should resign over the social media post sent hours before the attack on Larne Leisure Centre. Mr Lyons has faced criticism over a social media post about the location of migrant families who fled their homes. Mr Lyons resisted calls for his resignation and said he would 'strongly hit back at any notion' that he had publicly revealed the facility was being used to house immigrant families who had been affected by violence in Ballymena. Masked youths attacked the leisure centre on Wednesday night and set it on fire. Mr Lyons' post said: 'As a local MLA for the area, neither I nor my DUP council colleagues were made aware or consulted on this decision until late this afternoon.' He added: 'It has now been confirmed to us by the PSNI and council that all these individuals are in the care of the Housing Executive and have been moved out of Larne. 'Protesting is of course a legitimate right but violence is not and I would encourage everyone to remain peaceful.' Ms O'Neill said: 'He has failed to show correct leadership and I think that his commentary falls very short and very much strays into the territory of inflaming the situation, so I think that he should consider his position.' Asked if she was stating he should resign, she said: 'Yes, I believe he should consider his position.' Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, who is a DUP party colleague of Mr Lyons, said: 'I think that what the people of Northern Ireland need and want right now is to see that the Executive is united, and united on a very clear message. 'That is incredibly important, we have just seen three nights of violent disorder.' Mr Lyons was asked by the BBC Good Morning Ulster programme if he should still be in his job, and he replied: 'Absolutely.' He said: 'Let me set out the facts because it is clear that some don't know them. 'The leisure centre was used to temporarily house those who had been affected by the violence in Ballymena. 'This had been confirmed yesterday publicly. It was in the public domain, it was on a news website and it had been confirmed by the council. 'My message was posted because rumours had been circulating that the leisure centre was to be turned into a permanent centre, the messages flying about that caravans were being brought into the car park there. 'A protest had already been planned at 7pm last evening. 'The PSNI was then in contact with one of our local councillors and they were keen that we highlight the fact that the leisure centre was no longer being used for this purpose, they wanted to stop the rumours that people were being permanently housed there and all of that was the catalyst for the protest. 'As a result of that, I posted a clarification that the centre had been used but that was temporary and was no longer being used for that purpose.' Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, who highlighted the use of the building in a social media post, said all those who had been staying at the leisure centre are in the care of the Housing Executive and have been moved out of Larne. SLDP MLA Matthew O'Toole, the leader of the opposition in the Northern Ireland Assembly, said he would refer Mr Lyons to the standards commission following the fire. Justice minister Naomi Long said those rioting 'should be afraid because police will make arrests'. 'Those people who have been showing their faces in the camera and think that they are empowered when they are part of a mob may not feel so brave when they get a knock on the door from the local police to arrest them for charges of riotous behaviour,' she said on BBC's Good Morning Ulster on Thursday Morning. When asked how she would respond to those who say they are not afraid, Ms Long said they 'should be'. 'They should be afraid, because the police will make arrests, they have already done so over the past number of days, and I would expect that, as with the riotous behaviour last year, that a robust approach will be taken when it comes to dealing with those engaged with this sort of destructive racism and hate and violence on our streets.' Asked if photographs will be shared in the public domain she explained that that is the decision of the PSNI's chief constable. 'But that is how he proceeded last year and I know it was a very effective way in terms of identifying those who were involved in serious disturbances,' she said. 'What I would like to see is all of those in the community in positions of leadership, with influence, bring this to an end before someone loses their life, because that is the space we are now in, and people need to take responsibility for their own actions but also need to do everything within their power to call on others.' Several arrests have been made and dozens of police officers have been injured during the sustained unrest in Ballymena, which also saw multiple properties and vehicles set on fire. In the town on Wednesday, the PSNI deployed riot police for a third night in a row as hundreds gathered around the Clonavon Terrace area. At least one protester was struck by plastic baton rounds fired by police while officers also used a water cannon on the crowd. Officers also used dog units and drones in their response to the gathering. Riot police with shields advanced on the crowd to disperse them down Bridge Street onto other roadways. They came under sustained attack as those participating in disorder hurled petrol bombs, masonry and fireworks at police vehicles and officers standing nearby. Rioters smashed the windows of a house on North Street and set multiple fires on streets in the surrounding area. The disorder and stand-off with police continued past midnight. The PSNI have also noted scenes of disorder in Belfast, Lisburn, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey earlier in the week, as businesses, homes and cars were attacked and damaged. By Wednesday, six individuals had been arrested for public order offences, and one charged. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he 'utterly condemns' violence which left 32 police officers injured after the second night of disturbances. PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has warned the rioting 'risks undermining' the criminal justice process into an allegation of a sex attack on a teenage girl in Ballymena at the weekend. Stormont ministers have also made an urgent appeal for calm and said the justice process had to be allowed to take its course. First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly appeared together on Wednesday to voice their condemnation. Sinn Fein vice-president Ms O'Neill told reporters in Belfast: 'It's pure racism, there is no other way to dress it up.' Ms Little-Pengelly described the scenes in Ballymena as 'unacceptable thuggery'. With the protests focused in predominantly loyalist areas in Ballymena, Ms O'Neill said she did not believe it would be helpful for her to visit in the current context. DUP MLA Ms Little-Pengelly met residents in the town on Wednesday and said the local community are in fear and wanted the violence to stop. 'The key message here today is around that violence, and that the violence needs to stop, that's what the community wants to put across, and that's why I'm here to send that very clear and united message from right throughout the community and local residents for that to stop,' she said. See our live blog, courtesy of our sister publication The Belfast Telegraph here: 30 minutes ago DUP leader Gavin Robinson doesn't accept 'loyalism has a particular problem with racist radicalisation' On BBC NI's Talkback, Mr Robinson rejected claims that sections of loyalism have a problem with racist radicalisation, saying he would 'not categorise it that way.' Mr Robinson said: "I think there are issues around immigration clearly, within our communities, and I think that there has been as you have heard over the last number of days, repeated issues about certain areas in which some of the tensions are more pronounced." Mr Robinson said he would only "speak through fact" and called for the disorder to stop. "I will speak about what I know and I will not delve into assumptions that I cannot stand over, and I don't think it is helpful to do that in this situation. What I am saying very clearly is that there is disorder on our streets and it needs to stop," he said. "That disorder is concentrated in certain areas, and it needs to stop. It has the danger of spreading, it has the danger of risking life, we already have a situation where it is definitely risking property, people are vulnerable and people are under attack and they are having to seek refuge, it needs to stop. "Whether you think it is useful to have this conversation is one thing, what I am saying is that I will speak over what I know and what I know is that the police have indicated that they cannot stand over the view that there is paramilitary involvement and they do not see there is paramilitary involvement and there is continual quest to put labels on things which aren't necessarily going to help." Today 09:22 AM Downing Street condemned the 'disgraceful' attack on the leisure centre in Larne A No 10 spokesman said: 'As the Prime Minister said yesterday, he utterly condemns the ongoing violence seen in parts of Northern Ireland. The PSNI have our full support in continuing to restore order, to keep the peace and keep people safe. 'His thoughts are with communities and people impacted by the disgraceful scenes at the Larne leisure centre, and it's absolutely vital that the PSNI officers and emergency service workers are allowed to respond without facing mindless attacks.' Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn met PSNI's chief constable and officers on Thursday morning, No 10 said. Today 09:20 AM Irish premier Micheal Martin has said he is 'horrified' by violence in Co Antrim The Taoiseach said the riots were 'regressive' and 'backward'. 'I'm genuinely very saddened and horrified by what's happening, that people should be attacked in such a manner, that such violence should manifest itself in the way it has,' he said speaking in Dundalk. 'It's a sad day, and I would appeal to all involved to desist, to back off, to allow people to live in peace and in harmony, irrespective of creed or colour and race and ethnicity and so on. 'We are a multicultural world, and this is a regressive, sort of backward approach, that level of hostility that we haven't experienced for some time. 'We will support the PSNI and support all right-thinking people in both condemning the violence, but also doing everything we possibly can to bring calm back to the situation.' Taoiseach Micheal Martin. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Today 09:17 AM Olympic swimmer Conor Ferguson 'sad to see club pool destroyed by thugs' Larne Leisure Centre was the target of an attack on Wednesday night. Posting on social media platform X, the Larne Swimming Club member said: "Really sad to see my home club pool being destroyed by thugs. Even more upsetting to hear this was happening during children's swimming lessons. "Acts like this don't just damage property, they damage NI communities. "Sending support to all those affected." Today 09:03 AM PSNI engaging with 'groups likely to be affected by any protest activity' Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said: 'We are aware of social media posts calling for protests across Northern Ireland this evening and in the week ahead. 'We urge anyone who plans to attend these protests to engage with us as we will be doing our part to ensure the safety of participants and to facilitate the lawful exercise of freedom of expression. 'Police will not tolerate a repeat of the scenes we saw last night in Ballymena and other parts of Northern Ireland. 'We will continue to diligently monitor the situation to ensure an appropriate and proportionate policing response and we will be engaging with groups likely to be affected by any protest activity.' Today 08:58 AM Council assessing 'significant damage' caused to Larne Leisure Centre A spokesperson for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said: 'Council is currently assessing the significant damage caused to Larne Leisure Centre following last night's events. "Our priority is to ensure the safety of all residents and staff, and to restore the leisure centre to full operation. At present, the centre remains closed. "We would urge anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the police on 101.' Today 08:40 AM Three teenagers appear in court Three teenagers have appeared in court charged with rioting offences following the recent violence in Ballymena. A district judge in the town's magistrates' court said a strong message had to be sent out that those involved in the disorder would be dealt with 'robustly' by the court. Judge warns those involved in Ballymena disorder will be dealt with 'robustly' as three teenagers appear in court Three teenagers have appeared in court charged with rioting offences following recent violence in Ballymena. Today 08:23 AM 'It was a miracle that nobody was seriously injured or killed last night' Alliance MLA Danny Donnelly was at Larne Leisure Centre when it was attacked on Wednesday evening. Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph he said "we need to bring calm to our streets". Today 07:53 AM Housing Association advises residents to leave homes ahead of planned protest Arbour Housing in Portadown sent a letter to its residents saying that a demonstration planned for Thursday is "directed towards migrants, foreign nationals, and what are perceived as deviant behaviour". The BBC has reported that letter added that the demonstration could lead to an "unsafe situation" and advised them to "stay with family or friends during the protest". The letter also said residents should take measures to "secure your property and belongings". Groups sharing details of the protest on social media said it will be "peaceful". Today 07:22 AM Deputy Mayor calls for calm ahead of planned protest Alliance Deputy Mayor Jessica Johnston has called for calm across the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council area, after social media reports of planned protests in the Portadown area. Councillor Johnston said: 'The right to peacefully protest is a crucial aspect of our democracy, but we have seen people going out to deliberately cause violence and mayhem, while stoking racial tension. 'That is not acceptable anywhere. We have seen other areas descend into unrest and chaos, which achieves nothing except creating fear, hate and division, while also seeing the mindless destruction of people's own areas and vital public services. I don't want to see the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon area be the same. 'My heart goes out to all the newcomer and ethnic minority families who will not doubt be feeling fearful at this time. I want to reassure them the vast majority of people in our community are decent, inclusive and welcoming. 'I appeal to anyone looking at social media posts concerning planned protests to avoid them, and to those attempting to organise such protests, I urge to think again – remember there is a young girl at the heart of this situation and please don't use her trauma and pain as an excuse to cause trouble locally.' Today 07:15 AM MP urges those involved in planned Portadown protest to remain 'calm and respectful' MP for Upper Bann, Carla Lockhart, has said "legitimate concerns" must be "expressed within the boundaries of the law". Posting on social media on Thursday the DUP MP said: "Protests that are conducted within the law are a legitimate form of democratic expression, allowing individuals and groups to voice their opinions, advocate for change, and hold those in power accountable while respecting the rights of others and maintaining public order." She added: "I urge all involved to remain calm and respectful. Lawful protest is a right in any free society, but it must not tip into confrontation or chaos. "We have already seen in Ballymena how genuine grievances can be hijacked by a minority and spiral into violence. That is neither wanted nor welcome. "We must also remember that many people from different cultures have been part of our community in Portadown and surrounding areas for years. They are working in our hospitals, schools, and businesses contributing positively to society. "I strongly encourage everyone to remain calm and to never cross the line into criminal behaviour. The consequences of that can last a lifetime. "Let's ensure that whatever message is being sent is done so clearly, peacefully, and responsibly." Today 06:09 AM 'A brick came through the window, there were women on yoga mats' Alliance MLA Danny Donnelly was at Larne Leisure centre when it was attacked on Wednesday evening. Speaking on RTE's Morning Ireland show on Thursday morning, he explained how a crowd of about 100 people gathered at the facility around 6.30pm. 'There was a very sinister element to it,' he said. 'A crowd of masked youths were wandering around picking up bricks and pulling out bins. 'There was clearly an intent to attack the building and the building was busy at the time; there was a swimming club on and there was families and young children, people were doing fitness classes and coming and going about their business, but there was clearly an intent to attack the building and unfortunately that prevailed. 'The building was then pelted with bricks, windows were smashed, police were attacked with bricks and the building was set on fire." Mr Donnelly said the building had suffered "extensive fire damage" and "will be out of action for quite a while now." 'This is our town leisure centre which has been gutted," he added. 'It was absolutely disgusting, and it was quite frightening being inside the building as it was being attacked. 'There was a class going on when a brick came through the window, there was women on yoga mats doing an exercise class and a brick came through the window. 'Thankfully no one was injured but they very easily could have been. 'The staff were fantastic, they were able to manage to get people out to safety and away from the main thrust of the mob.' Today 06:09 AM Olympic swimmer's sadness at leisure centre attack An Olympic swimmer who is a member of Larne Swimming Club has spoken of her sadness at the attack on Larne Leisure Centre. Danielle Hill, who also coaches younger children at the club, said the leisure centre was a safe space for so many. In a post on Instagram, Hill spoke of sadness at events in the town "I have proudly represented on the world stage". "No child should ever be forced to witness masked men in their home community," she said. "The local leisure centre is a safe place for so many, from young children (as young as six) learning to swim to elderly residents, has now been transformed into a place marked by fear and trauma. "What unfolded last night was not just violence - it was racism in its rawest and most dangerous form. Young people seeking 'fun' in a senseless act of vandalism. And its consequences are already being felt; a local community torn apart, families left frightened, workers left without incomes. The harm is not abstract - it is here, it is local and it is devastating." She also urged rebuilding. "This is a moment to come together, not fall apart," she said. "Let's keep talking. Let's keep listening. As we have done so many times before, let's lead with compassion, stand up for one another and show the strength of our community through our support - for every child and every family that calls this centre a home. Time to rebuild." Today 05:50 AM Footage appears to show a man with a hatchet during the third night of rioting in Ballymena. In a statement the PSNI said that petrol bombs, a hatchet, masonry and fireworks were among items thrown at officers. Today 05:22 AM Three nights of unrest 'not what Northern Ireland is about' – Benn Hilary Benn described scenes as 'shocking' after Wednesday saw a third consecutive night of unrest. Mr Benn said there is 'absolutely no justification for civil disorder'. He told the BBC's Good Morning Ulster programme: 'This not what Northern Ireland is about, this is not what we want the rest of the world to see. 'We all, as elected representatives, have a responsibility to seek to calm things down, to support those in the community trying to keep people safe, principally the PSNI, to work with community leaders to lower tensions. 'Whatever views people hold, there is no justification for trying to burn people out of their homes, that is what is going on, and that is what needs to stop because it is shocking and damaging, and it reflects very badly of the image of Northern Ireland that we all want to send to the rest of the world.' Today 05:13 AM PSNI appeals ' for calm voices and cool heads to reduce tensions' Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson 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. '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.' Today 05:08 AM Six arrested and nine officers injured during third consecutive night of violence across Northern Ireland In a statement the PSNI said that petrol bombs, a hatchet, masonry and fireworks were among items thrown at officers in Ballymena. Unrest also broke out in Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus and Coleraine. Protests in the Antrim and Lisburn areas passed without incident, while protests in Belfast "were also mainly peaceful". Two men aged in their 20s and one in their 30s, and two teenagers were arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour and other offences. A teenager was also arrested in the Newtownabbey area in connection with disorder in the Station Road area. A spokesperson for the PSNI said:" In Larne, officers responded to a report the local leisure centre had been set alight in a shameful arson attack. "Shockingly, people were inside the building at the time of this fire – thankfully no injuries were reported – and we could have been looking at a completely different situation. "Our enquiries remain ongoing today in relation to the circumstances surrounding the fire. "In the Marine Highway area of Carrickfergus some masked protestors blocked local roads." They added: "In Coleraine, police received reports that a bus had been attacked, and was prevented from entering the train station. "A number of bins were also set alight on train tracks at the station - and petrol bombs were also thrown at officers – trains and bus services were also cancelled. "We are also investigating a fire to nearby business premises and a subsequent report that a number of young people broke into a local tyre business and added tyres to fire. "In Belfast, our officers dealt with a number of protests across the city – these were also mainly peaceful – travel was disrupted within the city for a short period of time in the Shankill and Shore Road areas. "As a result of a significant policing operation calm was restored to all areas at around 1am this morning." Today 04:28 AM Three teens charged following disorder in Ballymena The PSNI have confirmed that the arrests are in connection with disorder that broke out in the area on Tuesday, June 10. One man, aged 18, and two teenage boys, aged 15 and 17, have been charged with riot. The 15-year-old has also been charged with criminal damage. They are expected to appear before Ballymena Magistrates Court today. Two other teenage boys who were arrested during the disorder have been released on bail to allow for further police enquiries. Today 04:15 AM Justice minister says those rioting 'should be afraid because police will make arrests' 'Those people who have been showing their faces in the camera and think that they are empowered when they are part of a mob may not feel so brave when they get a knock on the door from the local police to arrest them for charges of riotous behaviour,' she said on BBC's Good Morning Ulster on Thursday Morning. When asked how she would respond to those who say they are not afraid, Ms Long said they 'should be'. She said: 'Well they should be, they should be afraid, because the police will make arrests, they have already done so over the past number of days, and I would expect that, as with the riotous behaviour last year, that a robust approach will be taken when it comes to dealing with those engaged with this sort of destructive racism and hate and violence on our streets.' Asked if photographs will be shared in the public domain she explained that that is the decision of the PSNI's chief constable. 'But that is how he proceeded last year and I know it was a very effective way in terms of identifying those who were involved in serious disturbances,' she said. 'What I would like to see is all of those in the community in positions of leadership, with influence, bring this to an end before someone loses their life, because that is the space we are now in, and people need to take responsibility for their own actions but also need to do everything within their power to call on others.' Today 04:00 AM Gordon Lyons to be referred to Assembly watchdog 'He is unfit for office': Gordon Lyons to be reported over social media comments on Larne Leisure Centre Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has said his comments about Larne Leisure Centre housing individuals displaced by recent riots were made before the building was set alight, and were intended to 'diffuse' tensions. Live Blog Software
