RIOT police have been deployed in Ballymena a day after serious unrest in the area saw homes destroyed and cops injured.
Around 300 people have gathered in the Co Antrim town less than 24 hours after riots broke out following a protest last night.
Barricades have been put up on some roads after homes were damaged during rampages that cops labelled “racist thuggery”.
Police dogs are on scene and at least four armoured vehicles have been deployed so far.
Bricks, bottles and petrol bombs have rained down on cops this evening, as two water cannons are deployed.
More than 10 baton rounds have been fired by police.
‘SERIOUS DISORDER’
Police in Northern Ireland advised members of the public to avoid Clonavon Terrace in Ballymena.
A spokeswoman said: “Police are currently dealing with serious disorder in the Clonavon Terrace area of Ballymena this evening, Tuesday 10th June.
“Members of the public should avoid the area. An update will be provided in due course.”
Translink has also suspended bus services in several areas of Belfast due to protests.
Cops said they are currently “monitoring” the situation across Northern Ireland.
Residents said they are preparing to move away with their children for fear of what may unfold next.
The violence erupted on Monday following a court appearance over the sexual assault of a teenage girl.
Two 14-year-old boys appeared in court charged with attempted rape.
The boys confirmed their names – which cannot be reported – and their ages through a Romanian interpreter at Coleraine Magistrates’ Court.
Just hours later, fires raged in the streets and petrol bombs were lobbed at cops as crowds cheered.
It stemmed from a demonstration that was “initially peaceful” in support of the girl and her family.
A 29-year-old man was arrested on Monday and has been charged with riotous behaviour, disorderly behaviour, attempted criminal damage and resisting police.
Cops said 15 officers were injured, four homes were set on fire – and six properties damaged in total.
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said the attacks should be “loudly condemned by all right thinking people”.
Mr Henderson said that police officers from England and Wales will be brought to Northern Ireland if needed to help the PSNI in the wake of the Ballymena disorder.
The senior officer said police did not have specific intelligence that there would be a repeat of the violent scenes, but said a significant policing operation would be in place.
But tonight, more crowds have gathered in Ballymena once again.
‘FERAL’ ATTACKS ON COPS
Liam Kelly, the head of the group that represents rank and file PSNI officers, said cops faced attacks which were “totally mindless, unacceptable and feral” last night.
Mr Kelly said: “Once again, our colleagues were caught up trying to quell hate-filled violence on our streets.
“Officers who were trying to protect life and property came under unjustified sustained attack.
“All right-minded people should utterly condemn these actions and provide information and assistance to the PSNI so they can identify those who engaged in the various lawless acts of thuggery.
“Officers’ injuries tell a frightening story of a mob fully intent on inflicting great harm on people.
“Police officers worked tirelessly to defuse a potentially explosive situation and uphold the law.”
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said the attacks should be “loudly condemned by all right thinking people”.
Speaking at a press conference at Ballymena police station, he said: “Any attempt to justify or explain it as something else is misplaced.”
He said that members of the minority ethnic community “felt fear” and there will be a significant policing operation in the town in the coming days to reassure the community.
He said one arrest has been made and more will follow, as video and online footage is examined.
Mr Henderson said: “I would strongly urge anyone who was involved in yesterday’s disorder to reflect long and hard about their actions, they will have consequences.”
He said: “Should I need any additionality, I’m absolutely assured that my colleagues in policing in England and Wales, the National Police Operation Centre, stand fast and ready to support should we need that support.”
The senior officer said police did not have specific intelligence that there would be a repeat of the violent scenes, but said a significant policing operation would be in place.
PETROL BOMBS AND FIREWORKS THROWN
A PSNI statement added: “Police officers came under sustained attack over a number of hours with multiple petrol bombs, fireworks, heavy masonry and bricks thrown in their direction by masked rioters.
“A number of homes and businesses were damaged with windows and doors smashed. Four houses were damaged by fire with three people evacuated.
“The attacks on these properties are being investigated as racially motivated hate attacks.
“Windows were also smashed of several business units in Galgorm Parks in the early hours.
“In total, six properties in Clonavon Terrace have sustained damage to windows and doors during the disorder.”
As part of ongoing inquiries, police are also investigating a report of arson at the Tobar Park area of Cullybackey in the early hours of Tuesday.
Shortly after 12.20am, it was reported that a petrol bomb had been thrown at a vehicle in the area which set it alight.
Damage was caused to a nearby property, with a woman and two children inside.
