Riots broke out in Northern Ireland last night following the arrests of two teenage boys who needed a Romanian interpreter when they appeared in court for attempted rape.
Around 2,500 people gathered in the Harryville area of Ballymena, Co Antrim, yesterday after the alleged incident, which is said to have taken place in the town on Saturday evening.
Two 14-year-old boys had appeared in court in court after the serious sexual assault on a teenage girl in Clonavon Terrace.
They confirmed their names and ages through a Romanian interpreter at Coleraine Magistrates’ Court on Monday morning, the BBC first reported.
Hours later, videos on social media showed a huge crowd gathered in a local park before moving towards the Clonavon Terrace area.
Barricades were then erected and blazing fires lit, with a large police presence at the scene as well as other emergency services.
Missiles including masonry and petrol bombs as well as paint were hurled at police lines, according to local reports, while nearby properties were also vandalised by masked youths who were accused of setting fires. A police car also had its windows smashed.
The two 14-year-old boys are charged with attempted oral rape and both deny the charges.
The teenagers appeared in court yesterday via videolink from Woodlands Juvenile Centre. They sat side-by-side wearing grey tracksuits.
There was no application for bail – but their solicitor said both teenagers the charge.
They were remanded in custody and will appear again at Ballymena Magistrates’ Court on July 2.
Last night protesters gathered in the town.
The PSNI said in a statement last night: ‘Police are dealing with public disorder in Ballymena town centre this evening.
‘A number of missiles have been thrown towards police with damage reported to a number of properties. Officers are advising motorists and pedestrians to avoid the Clonavon Road area until further notice.
‘It follows a protest in the area earlier this evening. Officers are in attendance to ensure the safety of everyone involved. They will remain in the area tonight to continue to monitor the situation.’
Chief Superintendent Sue Steen said: ‘We are urging everyone to remain calm and to act responsibly. Violence and disorder will only place people at greater risk.
‘Our priority is to keep the community safe, and I would appeal to everyone to work with us to bring calm to the area as quickly as possible.’
Officers are advising motorists and pedestrians to avoid the Clonavon Road area until further notice.
They will remain in the area overnight to continue to monitor the situation, it is understood.