2 days ago
Live: Disorder continues across NI as Co Antrim leisure centre targeted
Disorder has broken out in Larne on Wednesday night as a leisure centre becomes the subject of attacks.
PSNI officers have also returned to the streets of Ballymena as a number of protests take place across Northern Ireland.
Images circulating online show bins set alight in from of Larne Lesiure Centre and a number of windows smashed and vandalised as it is alleged individuals were taken there after disturbances in Ballymena on Tuesday.
It comes after 17 officers were injured during incidents on June 10, as a spokesperson said officers came under sustained attack over a number of hours with multiple petrol bombs, heavy masonry, bricks and fireworks thrown in their direction in the Clonavon Terrace area.
Violent disorder has taken place in the Co Antrim town for two nights following a protest march held in the arrests over an alleged sexual assault on a teenager at the weekend.
Two 14-year-old boys have been charged with attempted rape and a PSNI spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday a third person, aged 28, has been arrested in connection to the investigation.
Five people were arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour on Tuesday and a male was also arrested on suspicion of disorderly behaviour on the O'Neill Road in Newtownabbey.
PSNI vehicles have blocked the main street area of Harryville on Wednesday evening as PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said the force would be bringing extra officers, vehicles and equipment to areas where unrest has taken place.
Online reports say that demonstrations are set to take place in various areas across the country including Belfast, Portadown and Coleraine.
Two protests are facing off in Magherfelt. One group are standing with Palestine flags in the centre of the Co Derry town. Police are attempting to keep the peace
This is the scene in Ballymena tonight
East Antrim MLA Gordon Lyons has condemned the damage inflicted on Larne Leisure Centre tonight and said it only serves to hurt residents of the town.
He said, 'The violence and disorder witnessed on our streets over recent nights serves no purpose. Wanton destruction such as the attack on Larne Leisure Centre is an attack on all residents who use the facility.
There is absolutely no excuse for what has taken place in Larne, and it must be condemned.'
Police Land Rovers are moving the crowd away from flashpoint area in Ballymena
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Videos online showing large number of people in the Harryville area - reports police dogs have been deployed in the area.
Police have issued a warning for people to disperse from the area.
It is reported that the Ravenhill Road in Belfast has been closed due to a protest and PSNI are on the scene.
Reports that the roundabout at Whiteabbey Hospital has been closed off by police too.
Cllr Tyler Hoey said on social media: "The scenes we are witnessing in Larne must come to an end.
"I am urging those involved, disperse and go home. Wrecking your town, buildings does absolutely no favours."
Minister Gordon Lyons said:
It has been brought to my attention that a number of individuals were temporarily moved to Larne Leisure Centre in the early hours of the morning following the disturbances in Ballymena.
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.
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.
MLA Danny Donnelly said: "I was disgusted to see a crowd of masked thugs attacking Larne Leisure Centre this evening. They threw bricks through windows, burned bins and have lit a large fire nearby.
"Police Service of Northern Ireland officers were attacked with bricks. This was an attack on the town."
Police in Northern Ireland have requested support from colleagues in the rest of the UK following violence in Ballymena, a senior officer has said.
Read the full story here
Police have closed Henry Street at the Railway Street junction in the Harryville area
In a statement on Wednesday, Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: 'The mindless violence witnessed over the past two nights in Ballymena is deeply concerning and utterly unacceptable. These criminal acts not only endanger lives but also risk undermining the ongoing criminal justice process led by the PSNI in support of a victim who deserves truth, justice, and protection.
'Ironically, and frustratingly, this violence threatens to derail the very pursuit of justice it claims to challenge. Let me be clear: this behaviour must stop. I appeal to everyone involved to cease all further acts of criminality and disorder immediately.
'As with any serious offenders in Northern Ireland, we will pursue those responsible and bring them to justice. We will now begin our investigation of reviewing all evidence gathered, including video footage, and Images of the individuals involved will be released to identify offenders.
'Do not throw away your future and do not continue to endanger or intimidate the lives of others.
'To those who have been threatened or affected by this violence: we are with you. You deserve safety and justice, and we will find and prosecute those responsible. Hate-fuelled acts and mob rule do nothing but tear at the fabric of our society—they resolve nothing and serve no one."
