Six arrests made as trouble spreads across NI on second night of Ballymena violence
Police and senior political figures led condemnation of the trouble.
Calm was restored to the Ballymena area after 1am this morning.
The violence had broken out shortly before 8pm and continued for several hours with masonry and petrol bombs thrown at PSNI officers and police vehicles.
Homes and businesses were also attacked.
During the disorder, a water cannon was deployed in an attempt to disperse the crowds, with officers also discharging baton rounds.
Around 300 protestors had gathered in the area, close to where an alleged serious sexual assault on a teenage girl took place at the weekend.
Police also dealt with sporadic disorder in Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus while a car was set alight in north Belfast.
Police said 17 officers were injured in the latest trouble, bringing the total number of injured officers over the two nights of violence to 33.
Five people were arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour and remain in police custody this morning.
A male was also arrested on suspicion of disorderly behaviour on the O'Neill Road in Newtownabbey.
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said she was 'dismayed" by the unfolding events.
'Violence is always wrong. I have been in constant contact throughout last night with PSNI and in contact with local elected representatives,' she said.
"This disorder and violence must stop and justice be allowed to prevail.'
Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster Programme Liam Kelly, chair of the Police Federation, condemned the trouble that broke out over the last two nights.
"I want to condemn again what has happened the last couple of nights not only in Ballymena but, as we've seen, extended into other areas as well,' he said.
"It's completely deplorable that this is happening. We need these attacks to stop, and stop very quickly.'
Also speaking on the show, North Antrim MLA Paul Frew voiced fears that the violence would continue.
'I fear that if this continues, someone is going to get killed,' he said.
Speaking earlier, Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland described the trouble as 'unacceptable'.
'It's deeply shocking and very disappointing and I have to say it's entirely unacceptable. This violence doesn't speak for Ballymena,' she said.
Ms Mulholland said that the unrest distracted from the 'really serious issue' of violence against women and girls.
She added: 'That's what we should be talking about, we should be talking about how to make our society safer for women, not how to manage the fallout of violence and intimidation.
"It was just really disturbing, and deeply, deeply worrying.'
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: 'The mindless violence witnessed over the past two nights in Ballymena is deeply concerning and utterly unacceptable.
"These criminal acts not only endanger lives but also risk undermining the ongoing criminal justice process led by the PSNI in support of a victim who deserves truth, justice, and protection."
"As with any serious offenders in Northern Ireland, we will pursue those responsible and bring them to justice.
"We will now begin our investigation of reviewing all evidence gathered, including video footage, and Images of the individuals involved will be released to identify offenders.'
He added: 'Do not throw away your future and do not continue to endanger or intimidate the lives of others.'
Yesterday, Translink suspended bus services in several areas of Belfast due to protests.
Services on the Shore Road in north Belfast were at a standstill due to protestors blocking roadways along bus routes.
Bus services along the Ravenhill Road between the east and south of the city were also diverted towards the Ormeau Embankment due to demonstrations, while there was disruption to services in the Shankill Road area.
Protestors had also blocked roads at Carlisle Circus.
It's understood a crowd of around 50 gathered at the area holding placards saying: 'Protect Our Children.'
Police will release a further update later this morning.
In Ballymena, some residents marked doors to display their nationality while two water cannons were also at the scene of the ongoing 'serious disorder.'
At least four armoured vehicles were deployed in the Clonavon area as masked youths attacked officers.
Some Filipino workers in the area began putting stickers on their doors that declared their nationality, in an apparent bid to avoid attack.
Some people also displayed Union flags, or hung them in windows.
Petrol bombs, bricks and bottles were among the missiles thrown at police.
A PSNI spokesperson last night said the incident escalated to 'serious disorder'.
'Police are currently dealing with serious disorder in the Clonavon Terrace area of Ballymena this evening,' they said.
"Members of the public should avoid the area.'
A peaceful vigil on Monday to support the girl and her family was followed by serious trouble.
Two boys, both 14, were arrested and later charged with the attempted oral rape of the girl on June 7.
The charges were read to the teenagers by a Romanian interpreter.
Monday evening's violence resulted in 15 police officers suffering injuries with four homes in the area being set alight.
A 29-year-old man has been charged with riotous behaviour after being arrested during the disorder in Ballymena on Monday night
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