AssetID: 54839806
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Violence Erupts for Third Night in Northern Ireland as Leisure Centre Set on Fire
Caption: Violence Erupts for Third Night in Northern Ireland as Leisure Centre Set on Fire. Northern Ireland saw a third consecutive night of violence, with police attacked by fireworks, bottles, and bricks. The most severe unrest occurred in Ballymena, but tensions also flared in Larne and other towns on Wednesday evening. In Larne, masked youths targeted a leisure centre—used as emergency shelter for displaced families—and set it on fire. The incident in Larne forced staff to flee, with eyewitnesses describing scenes of “absolute disorder” and a brick thrown during a yoga class. The fire damaged the front reception and caused extensive smoke damage; all families had been safely relocated beforehand. Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson condemned the unrest as “racist thuggery” targeting ethnic minorities and police. Ballymena also saw clashes, where police in riot gear used water cannon and dogs to push back crowds hurling projectiles. Property was vandalised in Clonavon Terrace, and fires were reported at Cloughfern Roundabout in Newtownabbey. The violence followed a peaceful protest on Monday over an alleged sexual assault in Ballymena. Police Scotland is sending extra public order officers to Northern Ireland, responding to a request for 80 reinforcements under mutual aid. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Current Affairs & Politics,Northern Ireland,violence,riots,protest,police,Leisure Centre,fire,fireworks,bottles,bricks,Larne,Ballymena,racism,minority,clashes,sexual assault,Newtownabbey
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