Police appeal for calm following disorder in Ballymena
Police in Northern Ireland have appealed for calm this evening following disorder in Co Antrim.
Missiles were thrown towards officers and a number of properties were damaged during disturbances in Ballymena.
The trouble followed a protest in the town where a large crowd had gathered.
It followed an alleged sexual assault at the weekend.
The PSNI has advised the public and motorists to avoid the Clonavon Road area close to the town centre.
It said it had sent officers to the area to ensure people's safety and would remain in the area tonight to monitor the situation.
Chief Superintendent Sue Steen said; "We are urging everyone to remain calm and to act responsibly.
"Violence and disorder will only place people at greater risk. Our priority is to keep the community safe, and I would appeal to everyone to work with us to bring calm to the area as quickly as possible," she added.
Earlier today, two 14-year-old boys appeared in court charged with attempted rape following an alleged sexual assault in Ballymena at the weekend.
The teenagers, who are Romanian and spoke through an interpreter, cannot be identified because of their ages.
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