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Houses set on fire in disorder triggered by alleged sex assault

Lyndsey Telford and Chris Page
BBC News NI
Reporting fromBallymena
Pacemaker Firefighters in brown suits and yellow helmets on the street holding a hose. There is a fire engine to the right and houses in front. There is a fire on the street which is being tackled by one of the firefighters. To the right of the image is the side of a fire engine with hose reels visible.Pacemaker
Properties were set on fire in Ballymena

Houses were burnt out and police officers injured in Ballymena after disorder following a protest over an alleged sexual assault in the County Antrim town.

People wearing masks threw masonry and other missiles at police in violence described as "unwanted and unwarranted" by the area's MP.

Officers blocked off Clonavon Terrace as they tried to tackle the unrest, while a patrol car appeared to have its windows smashed.

Jim Allister, leader of the Traditional Unionist Voice, said the violence was "very distressing".

The North Antrim MP said the "context" for the demonstration was that there had been "significant demographic change in the area" because of "unfettered immigration".

Earlier on Monday, two teenage boys appeared before Coleraine Magistrates' Court accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl in Ballymena.

They spoke through an interpreter in Romanian to confirm their names and ages.

Their solicitor said they would be denying the charges.

Watch: Disorder breaks out in Ballymena on Monday night

Hundreds of people took part in a peaceful march hours after the court appearance.

The crowd of men, women and children gathered close to the town centre and walked along Larne Street and then Queen Street.

Violence broke out later in the day.

The Police Federation said at least 10 officers were hurt.

Pacemaker A large crowd standing on the street in Ballymena. There are buildings on either side and a fire in the distance. Smoke is rising into the sky.Pacemaker
Large crowds gathered in Ballymena on Monday night

Justice Minister Naomi Long said she was "absolutely appalled by the disturbing scenes".

"There is absolutely no place in our society for such disorder and there can be no justification for it," she said.

Speaking on BBC's The Nolan Show, the deputy mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Tyler Hoey of the Democratic Unionist Party, said there had been "outstanding" at the peaceful protest for the family of the girl who was allegedly assaulted.

He added that the violence that followed "has to be condemned" and called for people to stay off the streets.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland said a number of missiles were thrown at its officers and "damage had reported to a number of properties".

Police have advised motorists and pedestrians to avoid Clonavon Road until further notice.

Ch Supt Sue Steen said: "We are urging everyone to remain calm and to act responsibly. Violence and disorder will only place people at greater risk".