Chaos in Northern Ireland: Three Individuals Facing Court for Spreading Violence

Disorder broke out in parts of Northern Ireland as police dealt with rising tensions for a third night running.

PSNI officers returned to the streets of Ballymena last night as a number of protests took place across the country. Images circulating online also showed bins set alight in front of Larne Leisure Centre and a number of windows smashed and vandalized, after it emerged the facility was being used as an emergency shelter for families.

Violent Disorder in Ballymena:
Violent disorder had already taken place in Ballymena for two nights following a protest march. Two 14-year-old boys have been charged with attempted rape, and a PSNI spokesperson confirmed a third person, aged 28, has been arrested in connection to the investigation. Three people have been charged following disorder in Ballymena on June 10 and are due in court today.

Ministers Respond:
Justice Minister Naomi Long described the recent events as a 'festival of hate and destruction' that needs to stop. She will be seeking additional funding for the PSNI in June and commended their efforts in seeking support through mutual aid. Secretary of State Hilary Benn also condemned the violence, describing it as 'shocking' and emphasizing there is 'absolutely no justification for civil disorder'.

Spread of Unrest:
Unrest spread to other towns, including Coleraine and Larne, where the leisure centre was set on fire by masked vandals who also smashed windows. Leaders are appealing for calm and condemning the violence, stressing that such actions do not represent the true spirit of Northern Ireland.

Legal Action:
One man, aged 18, and two teenage boys, aged 15 and 17, have been charged with riot following disorder in Ballymena on June 10. Stay tuned for further updates.