Four homes torched and non-lethal rounds fired at rioters in Ballymena while car is torched in north Belfast as violence spreads
Some residents in Ballymena are marking doors to display their nationality while two water cannons are also at the scene of the ongoing 'serious disorder.'
At least four armoured vehicles have been deployed in the Clonavon area as masked youths attacked officers in a second night of violence in the Co Antrim town.
Petrol bombs, bricks and bottles are among the missiles thrown at police.
A PSNI spokesperson said the incident has escalated to 'serious disorder' and urged people to avoid the area.
'Police are currently dealing with serious disorder in the Clonavon Terrace area of Ballymena,' they said.
"Members of the public should avoid the area.'
Around 300 protestors gathered in the area, close to where a teenage girl was alleged to have been sexually assaulted at the weekend.
A peaceful vigil on Monday to support the girl and her family was followed by serious trouble.
Two boys, both 14, were arrested and later charged with the attempted oral rape of the girl on June 7.
Some Filipino workers in the area began putting stickers on their doors that declared their nationality, in an apparent bid to avoid attack.
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Some people also displayed Union flags, or hung them in windows.
Monday evening's violence resulted in 15 police officers suffering injuries with four homes in the area being set alight.
Meanwhile, a car was set alight in north Belfast as disorder flared in several areas of the city.
Police in Newtownabbey said: 'Following a protest at Cloughfern, colleagues are aware of a group of young people who appear intent on engaging in some form of disorder.
"So that we can avoid any allegation that we target local young people and attempt to criminalise them, I would ask for some assistance from friends, family or anyone with influence to help us protect these young people by diverting them away from the area and help us dispose of the fireworks to which they have gained access.'
Translink suspended bus services in several areas of Belfast due to protests.
Services on the Shore Road in north Belfast were at a standstill due to protestors blocking roadways along bus routes.
Bus services along the Ravenhill Road between the east and south of the city were also diverted towards the Ormeau Embankment due to demonstrations.
Protestors had blocked roads at Carlisle Circus, but have since dispersed.
It's understood a crowd of around 50 gathered at the area holding placards saying: 'Protect Our Children.'
Shankill Road bus services have since been restored the public transport operator said.
A Translink spokesperson said: 'Metro 11 Shankill services have been restored. Shore road services currently suspended until further notice due to protests on the routes.
'Metro 6D services Diverted out and in via the Ormeau Road via the Embankment due to a protest on the Ravenhill Road.'
A PSNI spokesperson said: "The Police Service of Northern Ireland is aware of several protests across Northern Ireland this evening, Tuesday 10th June. Officers are in attendance and will continue to monitor the situation."
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Irish Independent
9 hours ago
- Irish Independent
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The Irish Sun
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