Families hid in attics during 'racist' disorder in NI

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Families hid in attics and wardrobes during violent disorder in Ballymena, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Chief Constable has said.

This comes following three days of violence in Ballymena, and some other towns, in which 41 officers were injured and 15 people arrested.

The disorder began on Monday after a peaceful protest over an alleged sexual assault in the County Antrim town.

Jon Boutcher described that violence as "racist", adding "the people who are threatening families who are different to them - that is racism".

On Thursday evening, around 100 people turned up at an anti-racism protest in west Belfast.

NIPSA and representatives from People Before Profit were in attendance, and spoke to the crowd.

Also there, a number of people wearing black face coverings.

It passed off peacefully.

There is also a large police presence in Portadown, where crowds gathered for a planned protest on Thursday.

Earlier, a housing association warned its residents to leave their homes and take measures to protect their properties ahead of the protest.

In Ballymena, there is also police presence, were the worst of the disorder has taken place, mainly in the Clonavon Terrace area.

Speaking earlier, Mr Boutcher said after a peaceful protest was "hijacked" on Monday evening, police and the fire service had to help families "who have done nothing wrong".

He added that: "We stand absolutely shoulder to shoulder with the diverse communities in Northern Ireland.

"These bigots and racists will not win the day."

The first protest was organised hours after two teenage boys appeared before Coleraine Magistrates' Court.

They spoke through an interpreter in Romanian to confirm their names and ages. Their solicitor said they would be denying the charges.

Mr Boutcher said in addition to the two teenagers who have been arrested and charged.

"We've identified a third suspect who is currently outside the jurisdiction, but we will be bringing him back into the jurisdiction," he added.

Mr Boutcher said the family of the young girl wanted the violence to stop.

"She's been further traumatised by what has happened over the last three nights," he said.

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Police have described the disorder as "racist thuggery, pure and simple" and targeted at ethnic minorities and law enforcement.

Over the three days in Ballymena, police officers came under sustained attack with petrol bombs, heavy masonry, bricks and fireworks thrown in their direction.

Mr Boutcher called on those involved to stop and warned that there will be prosecutions.

"Don't come out onto the streets tonight. If you do we will police you, and we will deal with you through the criminal justice system."

"We'll be releasing images of those responsible. We will be going after them."

He said that three young people were in court in Ballymena on Thursday and remanded into custody for "these disturbances".

Jody Esguerra is an outreach worker for the Filipino community and has been helping others find somewhere safe to stay.

He said he received reports of a family that was "stuck inside" their home with "mobs and protesters" trying to enter, while "smashing the windows and throwing projectiles".

"They're scared for their lives", he said, and added that they don't feel "welcome" anymore.

He said the family "didn't expect any of this to happen".

They were woken up by "loud noises" and realised people were "throwing rocks at their door… and all tried to hide".

The chair of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, Mukesh Sharma said: "This violence is racism – pure and simple."

He said: "It is hard to find the words to describe the scenes of vitriol and hatred on our streets," adding that is "mindless violence that is simply wrecking communities".

"This violence needs to stop before a life is lost or serious injuries sustained."

On Wednesday, the PSNI confirmed that a significant number of extra police officers were being deployed into areas affected.

Police Scotland has agreed to send officers, after police in Northern Ireland requested extra support under mutual aid arrangements.

In Larne, masked youths attacked a leisure centre and set it on fire on Wednesday.

The centre had been providing emergency shelter for families following the clashes earlier in the week, the council said.

There have also been incidents in Larne, Carrickfergus, Coleraine, north Belfast and Newtownabbey.

Olympic swimmer Danielle Hill, who competed in both the Paris and Tokyo Games, was at the facility when the attacks took place.

She took the decision to cancel swimming lessons after spotting four masked men near the centre.

The 25-year-old said: "I mean, it's sad. It's awful. I lay awake last night. When there's kids involved it's upsetting.

"It shouldn't be happening. There was no need for the violence."

In a statement, a council spokesperson said they're "assessing the significant damage" and that "the centre remains closed".