Absence rates spike at schools closest to Ballymena disorder

A burnt out house on Queen Street following a second night of violence in Ballymena. Picture: PA

Absence rates at schools closest to the epicentre of the disorder in Ballymena have spiked amid the violence, the Stormont Education Minister has said.

Paul Givan said 84 newcomer children at Harryville Primary School have not been attending, while attendance is at around 65% at St Patrick’s College.