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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.