Ballymena violence after alleged sex attack was ‘racist thuggery’, police say

A burnt-out property in the Harryville area of Ballymena following scenes of violence on Monday night. Picture: Alan Lewis

Scenes of violence in Ballymena which left 15 police injured were “racist thuggery”, a senior officer has said.

Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said the force would have a significant operation in place over the coming days in case there was any repeat of the disturbances on Monday night in the Co Antrim town.