Protesters have flung glass bottles and paint cans at riot police after disorder erupted in a Northern Irish town.
An anti-immigration protest began in the Clonavon Terrace area of Ballymena after a girl was seriously sexually assaulted over the weekend.
But the situation has escalated, with protesters setting fire to plastic road barriers and bins and smashing windows of nearby houses.
In a statement last night, Northern Irish police (PSNI) said: ‘A number of missiles have been thrown towards police with damage reported to a number of properties.
‘Officers are advising motorists and pedestrians to avoid the Clonavon Road area until further notice.
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‘It follows a protest in the area earlier this evening. Officers are in attendance to ensure the safety of everyone involved. They will remain in the area tonight to continue to monitor the situation.’
The rioting began after two 14-year-old boys appeared in court charged with attempted oral rape. It reportedly took place in the Clonavon Terrace area on Saturday evening.
The boys appeared at Coleraine magistrates court on Monday via videolink from a juvenile justice centre, where they both pleaded not guilty.
An interpreter was in court to read the charges to both defendants.
They were remanded in custody until their next appearance at the youth court at Ballymena magistrates court on July 2.
Around 2,500 people gathered in a local park before moving towards Clonavon Terrace.
The group of men, women and children marched along Larne Street and Queen Street.
But the situation descended into chaos as fires were lit and homes vandalised.
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.’
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