Fifteen PSNI officers injured and homes set ablaze in Ballymena, hours after boys charged with alleged sex assault of girl (14)
Briefly

Riots broke out in Co Antrim amidst rising tensions linked to a recent sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl. Crowds gathered initially to support the victim's family but the situation escalated as masked individuals attacked police and properties, which was deemed racially motivated. Police discharged an Attenuating Energy Projectile in response to the violence. MP Jim Allister condemned the violence, emphasizing that it undermined legitimate community concerns about safety and immigration issues. The disorder resulted in one arrest and raised awareness about ongoing local frustrations and fears.
During last night's incident, masked thugs hurled missiles at police and damaged property, highlighting escalating tensions within the community due to recent events.
The situation turned chaotic as residents initially gathering to support the family of a sexual assault victim were later provoked into violence by outside agitators.
North Antrim MP Jim Allister condemned the disorder, suggesting it undermines legitimate concerns while highlighting public frustration over security and social issues in the town.
The demonstration began peacefully but was marred by violence perpetrated by a minority, which reflected longstanding tensions related to community safety and immigration.
Read at Irish Independent
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