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Ballymena: Homes damaged in disorder after alleged sex assault Ballymena: Disorder after alleged sex assault 'unwarranted', says Jim Allister
(about 1 hour later)
Properties were set on fire in BallymenaProperties were set on fire in Ballymena
Police have appealed for calm after disorder broke out in Ballymena in County Antrim, following a protest over an alleged sexual assault in the town. Disorder in Ballymena following a protest over an alleged sexual assault in the town has been described as "unwanted and unwarranted" by the area's MP.
Masked youths could be seen throwing masonry and a number of properties were damaged with windows smashed. People wearing masks threw masonry and other missiles at police, while houses were set on fire.
At least two houses were set on fire, according to the Belfast Telegraph. Police officers blocked off Clonavon Terrace as they tried to tackle the unrest, while a police car appeared to have its windows smashed.
Officers blocked off Clonavon Terrace as they tried to tackle the unrest while a police car appeared to have its windows smashed. Jim Allister, leader of the Traditional Unionist Voice, said the violence was "very distressing".
The North Antrim MP said the "context" for the demonstration was that there had been "significant demographic change in the area" because of "unfettered immigration".
Earlier on Monday, two teenage boys appeared before Coleraine Magistrates' Court accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl in Ballymena.
They spoke through an interpreter in Romanian to confirm their names and ages.
Their solicitor said they would be denying the charges.
Watch: Disorder breaks out in Ballymena on Monday nightWatch: Disorder breaks out in Ballymena on Monday night
In a statement, the Police Service of Northern Ireland said a number of missiles were thrown at its officers and "damage had reported to a number of properties". Hundreds of people took part in a peaceful march hours after the court appearance.
The crowd of men, women and children gathered close to the town centre and walked along Larne Street and then Queen Street.
Violence broke out later in the day.
Large crowds gathered in Ballymena on Monday night
The Police Service of Northern Ireland said a number of missiles were thrown at its officers and "damage had reported to a number of properties".
Police have advised motorists and pedestrians to avoid Clonavon Road until further notice.Police have advised motorists and pedestrians to avoid Clonavon Road until further notice.
Ch Supt Sue Steen said: "We are urging everyone to remain calm and to act responsibly. Violence and disorder will only place people at greater risk".Ch Supt Sue Steen said: "We are urging everyone to remain calm and to act responsibly. Violence and disorder will only place people at greater risk".
Social media footage appeared to show a masked man throwing an object at police vans as a crowd looked on.
Black smoke filled the air as flames erupted close to a house that had its windows smashed.
The unrest follows a protest in the town, about 30 miles from Belfast, earlier in the evening.
Large crowds gathered in Ballymena on Monday night
Earlier, two teenage boys appeared before Coleraine Magistrates' Court accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl in the County Antrim town.
A protest of hundreds of people in Ballymena happened hours after the court appearance.
The crowd of men, women and children gathered close to the town centre and marched peacefully along Larne Street and then Queen Street.