Police are working “night and day” to catch those involved in rioting in Ballymena, a senior officer has said.
There was a reduction in disorder last night, following five consecutive nights of violence on the streets of Northern Ireland.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said there were some “sporadic disturbances” on Saturday, which included young people throwing stones in Lurgan and an attempt to attack a vehicle in Carrickfergus.
Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones said an increased police presence helped de-escalate violence.
“The situation was much calmer than we have seen in recent days,” she said.
“I issued a public plea to parent/guardians and families of young people who have been driving the criminal activity in some areas to warn them of the serious consequences of their actions.
“I am asking for continued conversations amongst local families to deter young people from criminalising themselves.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe on our streets. So, just as we will seek justice for women and girls who report heinous crimes to us, we will also seek justice for local innocent families who are being targeted by criminality fuelled by hate.”
‘It’s very scary’
The unrest followed an alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl in the town on 7 June. Two teenagers were arrested and charged, and the police said the pair used a Romanian interpreter to plead not guilty in court.
A peaceful protest on Monday evening about the alleged assault was followed by attacks on police and properties housing ethnic minorities.
Police described the scenes as “racist thuggery”.
Angry mobs took to the streets and police responded to rioters’ petrol bombs and bricks with rubber bullets and water cannon onslaughts of their own.
James Arcangel woke up to a brick smashed through his bedroom window.
He told social affairs correspondent Becky Johnson he moved to the town from the Philippines just over a year ago.
“They should stop doing what they are doing,” he said. “It is very bad. It is very scary.”
Read more:
Why did Ballymena become the site of anti-immigration riots?
It is hard to see where the violence will end
More than 60 police officers injured
So far, 24 people have been arrested – 14 of whom have been charged to court.
“We will continue to robustly investigate the disorder over the last number of days but do not want to see any more young people criminalised by being caught up in this activity,” Chief Constable Jones said.
“Sixty-four of our colleagues have been injured and I commend their bravery and determination.
“Their unwavering efforts over the last number of days have resulted in a reduction of disorder and I hope the local communities who have been targeted have felt the support of our frontline teams.”
