More than 15 police officers have been injured after violence broke out in Northern Ireland today, with missiles being thrown around.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said 15 officers were injured after they came under “sustained attack” from masked rioters, who threw petrol bombs, fireworks, heavy masonry and bricks.
Justice Minister Naomi Long said: “I am absolutely appalled by the disturbing scenes in Ballymena yesterday evening during which PSNI officers were injured, residents terrorised, and properties damaged.
“There is absolutely no place in our society for such disorder and there can be no justification for it.”
Two police vehicles were damaged during the disorder in Ballymena, in Co Antrim, while homes and businesses had doors and windows smashed, according to police.
PSNI said four houses were damaged with fire, with three people evacuated, and the incidents are being investigated as “racially-motivated hate attacks”.
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said: “Last night saw significant sustained disorder in Ballymena.
“This violence was clearly racially motivated and targeted at our minority ethnic community and police.
“I want to condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms. It has no place in our society and should be loudly condemned by all right-thinking people.”
