Latest news with #DannyDonnelly
BBC News
07-07-2025
- BBC News
Larne Leisure Centre: Council hopeful of summer swimming return
Swimming at a leisure centre, which was attacked and set on fire during violent disorder in June, is expected to return in the coming Leisure Centre was being used by families and children for swimming and sports classes when it was targeted by youths and set on fire on 11 June. The previous night, the centre had been providing emergency shelter for families fleeing violence in nearby Ballymena, County had started earlier that week following a peaceful protest over an alleged sexual assault in Ballymena. Prom Café, located at the leisure centre, reopened a few days after the the leisure centre remained closed. Mid and East Antrim Council said Larne Swim Club is continuing to use the pool for training, as reported in The Irish News. "Plans are in place to fully reopen the pools for public use in the coming weeks," it said, adding that exact dates are yet to be confirmed. "In the meantime, arrangements are currently in place to facilitate the planned children's summer scheme at Larne Grammar School," it added. The council said the damage caused by the unrest has "impacted everyone in the community, especially our young people as the schools break for the summer". "The council is working hard to reopen the centre as quickly as possible." BBC News NI understands it will take a number of months before the centre is fully reopened. Speaking to BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster programme the day after the fire, Danny Donnelly MLA said a brick was thrown through a window of the leisure centre where a yoga class was being held and members had to flee for said it quickly became violent and the windows of the leisure centre were "systematically being put in".He added that paint was thrown over fire doors and described it as a "sustained attack" on the said staff had to flee through the back door for their own safety.
Irish Examiner
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Fire at leisure centre on third night of disorder in Ballymena
A fire broke out at Larne Leisure Centre following vandalism at the facility during several nights of disorder in Northern Ireland. Masked individuals smashed windows at the leisure centre in Co Antrim on Wednesday and set fires outside which spread inside. The attack coincided with a third night of public disorder in the town of Ballymena, 30 minutes away from Larne. Local Alliance MLA Danny Donnelly said in a social media post: 'Larne leisure centre has been attacked by masked thugs. 'Windows smashed and fires lit nearby. Larne does not need this.' The PSNI deployed riot police in Ballymena for a third night as a significant crowd gathered around the Clonavon Terrace area. Demonstrators who gathered on Bridge Street near the residential area were told to disperse shortly before 9pm after a firework was thrown at officers. Officers also used dog units and drones in their response to the gathering. Riot police with shields advanced on the crowd to disperse them. Missiles were thrown at officers in the Clonavon Terrace area on Wednesday night. Earlier, a senior officer said the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) had requested support from colleagues in the rest of the UK following further violence in Ballymena. PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said the force would be bringing extra officers, vehicles and equipment to areas where unrest has flared. He said there were disgraceful scenes in Belfast, Lisburn, Coleraine, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey on Tuesday, as businesses, homes and cars were attacked and damaged. By Wednesday, six individuals had been arrested for public order offences, and one was charged. Over 30 police officers injured British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said he 'utterly condemns' violence which left 32 police officers injured after the second night of disturbances. PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has warned that the rioting 'risks undermining' the criminal justice process into an allegation of a sex attack on a teenage girl in Ballymena at the weekend. Stormont ministers have also made an urgent appeal for calm and said the justice process had to be allowed to take its course. Providing an update on the policing operation on Wednesday, Mr Henderson said: 'We are taking steps to increase available resources and are surging a significant number of extra officers, vehicles and equipment to those areas where the rioting is taking place. 'This will have an impact on our community, this will take away vital resources needed to police other areas.' He said they have requested about 80 officers through mutual aid. Riot police block a road in Ballymena following a second night of violence in Ballymena Picture: Jonathan McCambridge/PA Wire Speaking during Prime Minister's Questions in the Commons, Mr Starmer condemned the 'mindless attacks' against police. 'I utterly condemn the violence that we have seen overnight in Ballymena and in other parts of Northern Ireland, including against PSNI officers,' Mr Starmer told MPs. 'It's absolutely vital that the PSNI are given the time they need to investigate the incidents concerned rather than face mindless attacks as they seek to bring peace and order to keep people safe.' In a joint statement, ministers from across the Stormont powersharing Executive, which includes Sinn Féin, DUP, Alliance Party and UUP, said those involved in disorder have nothing to offer society but 'division and disorder'. First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly later appeared together to voice their condemnation. Sinn Féin vice-president Ms O'Neill told reporters in Belfast: 'It's pure racism, there is no other way to dress it up.' She said ministers stood full-square with the young girl who was subject to the alleged sex attack but added the criminal justice system must be allowed to deal with that case. 'Separate to that is the racism that we're seeing… people being firebombed out of their homes, people having their doors knocked in, having their windows being smashed, families being intimidated,' Ms O'Neill added. 'That is absolutely unacceptable and everything that needs to be done to bring it to an end is our focus in terms of the engagement we have with the PSNI.' Ms Little-Pengelly described the scenes in Ballymena as 'unacceptable thuggery', adding: 'We've been in contact with the chief constable, and in constant contact with the PSNI throughout last night in terms of what was happening on the ground. 'I think today is about sending a very clear message that violence is wrong, it is entirely unacceptable. It must stop.' With the protests focused in predominantly loyalist areas in Ballymena, Ms O'Neill said she did not believe it would be helpful for her to visit in the current context. A police car drives past a burnt-out overturned car on the street following a second night of violence in Ballymena. 'Violence needs to stop' DUP MLA Ms Little-Pengelly met residents in the town on Wednesday and said the local community are in fear and wanted the violence to stop. 'The key message here today is around that violence, and that the violence needs to stop, that's what the community wants to put across, and that's why I'm here to send that very clear and united message from right throughout the community and local residents for that to stop,' she said. Police said their officers came under sustained attack over a number of hours with multiple petrol bombs, heavy masonry, bricks and fireworks thrown in their direction in the Clonavon Terrace area of Ballymena on Tuesday night. The PSNI deployed riot police, fired plastic baton rounds, and used water cannon as well as dog units as part of its response to the disorder. Police also reported that 'sporadic disorder' had also occurred in Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus, as well as incidents in north Belfast. The violence began around Clonavon Terrace on Monday night following an earlier peaceful protest which was organised in support of the family of a girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the area. Two teenage boys, who spoke to a court through a Romanian interpreter, have been charged.
Belfast Telegraph
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Residents urged to leave homes ahead of planned protest while MLA recalls moment of Larne attack
live | Danny Donnelly says centre "will be out of action for quite a while now"Three in court over Ballymena disorderDeputy mayor calls for calm ahead of planned protest in Portadown Amy Cochrane and Flávia Gouveia Alliance MLA Danny Donnelly described being inside Larne Leisure Centre during Wednesday evening's attack as 'frightening'. Unrest spread to other towns on Wednesday, including Coleraine and Larne – where the leisure centre was set on fire by masked vandals who also smashed windows. The facility had temporarily been used as emergency shelter for those in urgent need following disturbances in Ballymena earlier in the week. Speaking on RTE's Morning Ireland show on Thursday morning, he explained how a crowd of about 100 people gathered at the facility around 6.30pm. 'It was absolutely disgusting, and it was quite frightening being inside the building as it was being attacked,' he said. Police deal with a third night of violence in Ballymena Meanwhile, Arbour Housing in Portadown sent a letter to its residents advising them to 'stay with family or friends' during a planned demonstration which it says is "directed towards migrants, foreign nationals, and what are perceived as deviant behaviour". Alliance Deputy Mayor Jessica Johnston has called for calm across the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council area. 11 minutes ago PSNI engaging with 'groups likely to be affected by any protest activity' Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said: 'We are aware of social media posts calling for protests across Northern Ireland this evening and in the week ahead. 'We urge anyone who plans to attend these protests to engage with us as we will be doing our part to ensure the safety of participants and to facilitate the lawful exercise of freedom of expression. 'Police will not tolerate a repeat of the scenes we saw last night in Ballymena and other parts of Northern Ireland. 'We will continue to diligently monitor the situation to ensure an appropriate and proportionate policing response and we will be engaging with groups likely to be affected by any protest activity.' 16 minutes ago Council assessing 'significant damage' caused to Larne Leisure Centre A spokesperson for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said: 'Council is currently assessing the significant damage caused to Larne Leisure Centre following last night's events. "Our priority is to ensure the safety of all residents and staff, and to restore the leisure centre to full operation. At present, the centre remains closed. "We would urge anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the police on 101.' Three teenagers appear in court Three teenagers have appeared in court charged with rioting offences following the recent violence in Ballymena. A district judge in the town's magistrates' court said a strong message had to be sent out that those involved in the disorder would be dealt with 'robustly' by the court. Judge warns those involved in Ballymena disorder will be dealt with 'robustly' as three teenagers appear in court Three teenagers have appeared in court charged with rioting offences following recent violence in Ballymena. 51 minutes ago 'It was a miracle that nobody was seriously injured or killed last night' Alliance MLA Danny Donnelly was at Larne Leisure Centre when it was attacked on Wednesday evening. Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph he said "we need to bring calm to our streets". Today 11:53 AM Housing Association advises residents to leave homes ahead of planned protest Arbour Housing in Portadown sent a letter to its residents saying that a demonstration planned for Thursday is "directed towards migrants, foreign nationals, and what are perceived as deviant behaviour". The BBC has reported that letter added that the demonstration could lead to an "unsafe situation" and advised them to "stay with family or friends during the protest". The letter also said residents should take measures to "secure your property and belongings". Groups sharing details of the protest on social media said it will be "peaceful". Today 11:22 AM Deputy Mayor calls for calm ahead of planned protest Alliance Deputy Mayor Jessica Johnston has called for calm across the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council area, after social media reports of planned protests in the Portadown area. Councillor Johnston said: 'The right to peacefully protest is a crucial aspect of our democracy, but we have seen people going out to deliberately cause violence and mayhem, while stoking racial tension. 'That is not acceptable anywhere. We have seen other areas descend into unrest and chaos, which achieves nothing except creating fear, hate and division, while also seeing the mindless destruction of people's own areas and vital public services. I don't want to see the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon area be the same. 'My heart goes out to all the newcomer and ethnic minority families who will not doubt be feeling fearful at this time. I want to reassure them the vast majority of people in our community are decent, inclusive and welcoming. 'I appeal to anyone looking at social media posts concerning planned protests to avoid them, and to those attempting to organise such protests, I urge to think again – remember there is a young girl at the heart of this situation and please don't use her trauma and pain as an excuse to cause trouble locally.' Today 11:15 AM MP urges those involved in planned Portadown protest to remain 'calm and respectful' MP for Upper Bann, Carla Lockhart, has said "legitimate concerns" must be "expressed within the boundaries of the law". Posting on social media on Thursday the DUP MP said: "Protests that are conducted within the law are a legitimate form of democratic expression, allowing individuals and groups to voice their opinions, advocate for change, and hold those in power accountable while respecting the rights of others and maintaining public order." She added: "I urge all involved to remain calm and respectful. Lawful protest is a right in any free society, but it must not tip into confrontation or chaos. "We have already seen in Ballymena how genuine grievances can be hijacked by a minority and spiral into violence. That is neither wanted nor welcome. "We must also remember that many people from different cultures have been part of our community in Portadown and surrounding areas for years. They are working in our hospitals, schools, and businesses contributing positively to society. "I strongly encourage everyone to remain calm and to never cross the line into criminal behaviour. The consequences of that can last a lifetime. "Let's ensure that whatever message is being sent is done so clearly, peacefully, and responsibly." Today 10:09 AM 'A brick came through the window, there were women on yoga mats' Alliance MLA Danny Donnelly was at Larne Leisure centre when it was attacked on Wednesday evening. Speaking on RTE's Morning Ireland show on Thursday morning, he explained how a crowd of about 100 people gathered at the facility around 6.30pm. 'There was a very sinister element to it,' he said. 'A crowd of masked youths were wandering around picking up bricks and pulling out bins. 'There was clearly an intent to attack the building and the building was busy at the time; there was a swimming club on and there was families and young children, people were doing fitness classes and coming and going about their business, but there was clearly an intent to attack the building and unfortunately that prevailed. 'The building was then pelted with bricks, windows were smashed, police were attacked with bricks and the building was set on fire." Mr Donnelly said the building had suffered "extensive fire damage" and "will be out of action for quite a while now." 'This is our town leisure centre which has been gutted," he added. 'It was absolutely disgusting, and it was quite frightening being inside the building as it was being attacked. 'There was a class going on when a brick came through the window, there was women on yoga mats doing an exercise class and a brick came through the window. 'Thankfully no one was injured but they very easily could have been. 'The staff were fantastic, they were able to manage to get people out to safety and away from the main thrust of the mob.' Today 10:09 AM Olympic swimmer's sadness at leisure centre attack An Olympic swimmer who is a member of Larne Swimming Club has spoken of her sadness at the attack on Larne Leisure Centre. Danielle Hill, who also coaches younger children at the club, said the leisure centre was a safe space for so many. In a post on Instagram, Hill spoke of sadness at events in the town "I have proudly represented on the world stage". "No child should ever be forced to witness masked men in their home community," she said. "The local leisure centre is a safe place for so many, from young children (as young as six) learning to swim to elderly residents, has now been transformed into a place marked by fear and trauma. "What unfolded last night was not just violence - it was racism in its rawest and most dangerous form. Young people seeking 'fun' in a senseless act of vandalism. And its consequences are already being felt; a local community torn apart, families left frightened, workers left without incomes. The harm is not abstract - it is here, it is local and it is devastating." She also urged rebuilding. "This is a moment to come together, not fall apart," she said. "Let's keep talking. Let's keep listening. As we have done so many times before, let's lead with compassion, stand up for one another and show the strength of our community through our support - for every child and every family that calls this centre a home. Time to rebuild." Today 09:50 AM Footage appears to show a man with a hatchet during the third night of rioting in Ballymena. In a statement the PSNI said that petrol bombs, a hatchet, masonry and fireworks were among items thrown at officers. Today 09:22 AM Three nights of unrest 'not what Northern Ireland is about' – Benn Hilary Benn described scenes as 'shocking' after Wednesday saw a third consecutive night of unrest. Mr Benn said there is 'absolutely no justification for civil disorder'. He told the BBC's Good Morning Ulster programme: 'This not what Northern Ireland is about, this is not what we want the rest of the world to see. 'We all, as elected representatives, have a responsibility to seek to calm things down, to support those in the community trying to keep people safe, principally the PSNI, to work with community leaders to lower tensions. 'Whatever views people hold, there is no justification for trying to burn people out of their homes, that is what is going on, and that is what needs to stop because it is shocking and damaging, and it reflects very badly of the image of Northern Ireland that we all want to send to the rest of the world.' Today 09:13 AM PSNI appeals ' for calm voices and cool heads to reduce tensions' Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said: 'Last night a significant policing operation was again required on our streets to deal with violent disorder. 'This criminal behaviour has no place on the streets of Northern Ireland and is completely unacceptable. 'What we witnessed last night has caused fear and huge disruption within our communities, including to our local transport network and community services. 'Police officers came under attack from petrol bombs, fireworks and heavy masonry. 'A hatchet was also thrown at police lines during this disorder in a clear attempt to seriously injure our officers – and I thank them once again for their continued efforts putting themselves on the line keeping our streets safe. 'We made six arrests last night during this disorder and more will follow. We are working hard to identify all those responsible in this criminal disorder, and those involved will be dealt with using the full force of the law. 'We are now in the process of gathering evidence, CCTV and other footage of yesterday's disorder, and anyone who has information or who can help identify those responsible is asked to contact police on 101. 'I would strongly urge anyone who was involved in yesterday's rioting and disorder to think long and hard about their actions and its impact. I would also appeal for calm voices and cool heads to reduce tensions.' Today 09:08 AM Six arrested and nine officers injured during third consecutive night of violence across Northern Ireland In a statement the PSNI said that petrol bombs, a hatchet, masonry and fireworks were among items thrown at officers in Ballymena. Unrest also broke out in Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus and Coleraine. Protests in the Antrim and Lisburn areas passed without incident, while protests in Belfast "were also mainly peaceful". Two men aged in their 20s and one in their 30s, and two teenagers were arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour and other offences. A teenager was also arrested in the Newtownabbey area in connection with disorder in the Station Road area. A spokesperson for the PSNI said:" In Larne, officers responded to a report the local leisure centre had been set alight in a shameful arson attack. "Shockingly, people were inside the building at the time of this fire – thankfully no injuries were reported – and we could have been looking at a completely different situation. "Our enquiries remain ongoing today in relation to the circumstances surrounding the fire. "In the Marine Highway area of Carrickfergus some masked protestors blocked local roads." They added: "In Coleraine, police received reports that a bus had been attacked, and was prevented from entering the train station. "A number of bins were also set alight on train tracks at the station - and petrol bombs were also thrown at officers – trains and bus services were also cancelled. "We are also investigating a fire to nearby business premises and a subsequent report that a number of young people broke into a local tyre business and added tyres to fire. "In Belfast, our officers dealt with a number of protests across the city – these were also mainly peaceful – travel was disrupted within the city for a short period of time in the Shankill and Shore Road areas. "As a result of a significant policing operation calm was restored to all areas at around 1am this morning." Today 08:28 AM Three teens charged following disorder in Ballymena The PSNI have confirmed that the arrests are in connection with disorder that broke out in the area on Tuesday, June 10. One man, aged 18, and two teenage boys, aged 15 and 17, have been charged with riot. The 15-year-old has also been charged with criminal damage. They are expected to appear before Ballymena Magistrates Court today. Two other teenage boys who were arrested during the disorder have been released on bail to allow for further police enquiries. Today 08:15 AM Justice minister says those rioting 'should be afraid because police will make arrests' 'Those people who have been showing their faces in the camera and think that they are empowered when they are part of a mob may not feel so brave when they get a knock on the door from the local police to arrest them for charges of riotous behaviour,' she said on BBC's Good Morning Ulster on Thursday Morning. When asked how she would respond to those who say they are not afraid, Ms Long said they 'should be'. She said: 'Well they should be, they should be afraid, because the police will make arrests, they have already done so over the past number of days, and I would expect that, as with the riotous behaviour last year, that a robust approach will be taken when it comes to dealing with those engaged with this sort of destructive racism and hate and violence on our streets.' Asked if photographs will be shared in the public domain she explained that that is the decision of the PSNI's chief constable. 'But that is how he proceeded last year and I know it was a very effective way in terms of identifying those who were involved in serious disturbances,' she said. 'What I would like to see is all of those in the community in positions of leadership, with influence, bring this to an end before someone loses their life, because that is the space we are now in, and people need to take responsibility for their own actions but also need to do everything within their power to call on others.' Today 08:00 AM Gordon Lyons to be referred to Assembly watchdog 'He is unfit for office': Gordon Lyons to be reported over social media comments on Larne Leisure Centre Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has said his comments about Larne Leisure Centre housing individuals displaced by recent riots were made before the building was set alight, and were intended to 'diffuse' tensions.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Yahoo
Fire breaks out at Larne leisure centre as Antrim unrest enters third night
A fire broke out at a leisure centre during a third night of disorder in Northern Ireland on Wednesday. People wearing masks smashed windows at the Larne leisure centre in County Antrim and set fires outside which spread inside the building. The attack coincided with a third night of public disorder in the town of Ballymena, 30 minutes from Larne. Demonstrators who gathered on Bridge Street in Ballymena were told to disperse by riot police shortly before 9pm after a firework was thrown at officers. Petrol bombs, a hatchet and masonry were also thrown at police in the town. Officers responded with water cannon, dogs and plastic baton rounds in an attempt to disperse crowds. At least one person was struck by plastic baton rounds. Danny Donnelly, an MLA for East Antrim, said in a social media post: 'Larne leisure centre has been attacked by masked thugs. Windows smashed and fires lit nearby. Larne does not need this.' Related: 'In 14 years, never anything like this': Ballymena's foreigners describe fear after rioting Mid and East Antrim borough council said the leisure centre had been designated as an emergency rest centre for those in urgent need after the disturbances in Ballymena, but the families had been safely relocated elsewhere. It followed two previous nights of rioting that left 17 police officers injured and caused damage to several homes, businesses and vehicles in the town. Six people were arrested for public order offences, and one charged. A crowd launched a 'sustained attack' on officers on Tuesday night by hurling petrol bombs, masonry and fireworks in the County Antrim town, a police spokesperson said. They added: 'Businesses and homes were attacked and damaged and a number of vehicles were also set on fire in the area. Seventeen officers were injured with some requiring hospital treatment.' Disturbances erupted on Monday night – when 15 officers were injured – after a vigil for a teenage girl allegedly sexually assaulted by two 14-year-old boys. The boys had appeared in court that day charged with attempted rape, where a Romanian interpreter read them the charges. Police said the unrest turned into racially motivated attacks on foreigners that left families cowering in their homes as mobs broke windows and tried to set fire to curtains. Police fired plastic baton rounds and used water cannon to try to disperse the crowds on Tuesday. Jon Boutcher, the Police Service of Northern Ireland chief constable, said the 'mindless violence' was deeply concerning and 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. Ironically, and frustratingly, this violence threatens to derail the very pursuit of justice it claims to challenge.' Boutcher appealed for an immediate end to criminality and disorder. '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. Do not throw away your future and do not continue to endanger or intimidate the lives of others.' In a joint statement on Wednesday, ministers from across Northern Ireland's power-sharing executive, which includes Sinn Féin, the Democratic Unionist party, the Alliance party and the Ulster Unionist party, said those involved in the disorder in Ballymena had nothing to offer society but 'division and disorder'. The statement said: 'As ministers representing every party and department in the Northern Ireland executive, we strongly condemn the racially motivated violence witnessed in recent days and make an urgent appeal for calm across society. 'It is paramount that the justice process is now allowed to take its course … Those weaponising the situation in order to sow racial tensions do not care about seeing justice and have nothing to offer their communities but division and disorder. 'While all of our citizens have the right to engage in peaceful protest, there can never be any justification for the violence that has taken place in recent days, during which residents have been terrorised and numerous PSNI officers injured.' Smaller protests took place on Tuesday night in Lisburn, Coleraine, Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus and Belfast. Reinforcements would be sought from Wales and England if necessary, police said. A Downing Street spokesperson condemned the violence and appealed for calm, as did politicians across Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland secretary, Hilary Benn, said on X: 'The terrible scenes of civil disorder we have witnessed in Ballymena again this evening have no place in Northern Ireland.'
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Yahoo
'Sinister' atmosphere as leisure centre attacked during NI rioting
A man who was inside a leisure centre during violent disorder on Wednesday night has spoken of the fear among customers and staff. Northern Ireland Assembly Member Danny Donnelly said Larne Leisure Centre was being used by families and children for swimming and classes at the time of attack. On Wednesday night, masked youths attacked the leisure centre and set it on fire. The centre had been providing emergency shelter for families following the clashes in Ballymena, the council said. Donnelly said there was "clearly a malicious attempt developing" as masked youths gathered outside the centre carrying bricks. "It was very, very sinister, the atmosphere certainly felt to me very, very threatening," he added. "The staff made sure people were getting out and getting to their cars safely," he said. "They were managing the door of the premises to make sure, that despite repeated attempts to get in - people who were... in masks and things - were not accessing the property," Donnelly took BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster programme. "It became more and more sinister, and it became more and more obvious that there was a malicious intent, you know, you don't come to a peaceful protest with a mask and bricks." He said as people and children become "fearful" staff helped people "to leave via the side doors and get to their cars safely". "There was a brick that came through the window while there were women doing a class, so on the floor on yoga matts. "And a brick came, quite a large brick, came flying through the window, thankfully nobody was hurt but as you can imagine there was glass everywhere and the women had to get up and leave," he said. Donnelly said it quickly became violent and the windows of the leisure centre were "systematically being put in". He added that there was paint being thrown over fire doors and described it as a "sustained attack" on the building. "They were already throwing bricks at the police as well," he said. "Now at that point as the glass was coming in around them, the staff then left through the back door, very fearful for their own safety". Donnelly has appealed for calm across Northern Ireland. "Larne doesn't need this, Northern Ireland doesn't need this, no town needs this," he said. "We've lost services at our leisure centre, the staff were incredibly shocked and frightened. Families were in sight of this last night." Donnolly was among a number of elected representatives criticising a Stormont minister over a social media post about the location of migrant families who left their homes hours before the centre was attacked. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons of the Democratic Unionist Party ( DUP) said that people caught up in clashes in Ballymena were being temporarily moved to Larne Leisure Centre. Sinn Féin Finance Minister John O'Dowd claimed Lyons "failed to show leadership". Donnelly said: "I thought it was incredibly reckless and dangerous to highlight the location of where these people were being kept and brought to a place of safety." "If I was the Minister, I would certainly be considering my position," he added. Lyons has defended his comments saying the information was in the public domain, and had been confirmed by the local council. How a peaceful protest descended into hate-filled violence Seventeen police officers injured during second night of Ballymena violence Ballymena violence 'pure racism' and must stop - O'Neill Minister refuses to resign over 'reckless' Facebook post
