‘Masked thugs’ start fire at leisure centre on third night of violence in Northern Ireland
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Riot police deployed in Northern Ireland as violence continues
- Riot police were deployed in Ballymena in Northern Ireland for a third night following public disorder that erupted after an alleged sexual assault on a girl in the area.
- Masked individuals set fire to Larne Leisure Centre in County Antrim, which had been designated as an emergency rest centre, prompting the relocation of families.
- Police in Ballymena faced attacks from masked protesters throwing fireworks, glass bottles, and metal, leading to the use of riot police, dog units, water cannon, and plastic baton rounds.
- Six individuals have been arrested for public order offences, and one person has been charged.
- Political leaders, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Stormont ministers, have condemned the violence and appealed for calm, emphasising the need to allow the justice process to proceed.