Fireworks, petrol bombs and glass bottles thrown at riot police as serious disorder in Ballymena deepens

Fireworks, petrol bombs and glass bottles have been thrown at riot police as unrest in Ballymena continued for a second night.

Water cannon and plastic baton rounds were used to disperse hundreds in the Co Antrim town - with officers wearing armour and carrying shields. Several blazes were reported in the worst-affected areas, with cars set alight and house windows smashed.

Police sirens continued to blare throughout the town past midnight. Eyewitness: It is hard to see where the violence will end Clothes belonging to at least one protester caught fire during the disorder.

Some properties displayed signs about the nationality of the residents inside - including one saying "British household". Sky correspondent Connor Gillies, who is in Ballymena, says some families have had to barricade themselves into the attics of their homes as the clashes worsen.

"The talk here in this town is that it could go on for weeks yet," he added. The violent disorder started on Monday, following a peaceful protest supporting the family of a girl who was allegedly sexually assaulted in the area over the weekend.

Two 14-year-old boys were charged with attempted rape and were remanded in custody when they appeared at Coleraine Magistrates' Court on Monday. The charges were read to them by a Romanian interpreter.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland said on Tuesday that it had made a third arrest in connection with the alleged rape, and is continuing to urge anyone with information to come forward. The 28-year-old man has since been unconditionally released from custody following questioning.

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson described the scenes in Ballymena as "racist thuggery" and said the force was "actively working to identify those responsible" for the "racially motivated disorder". Mr Henderson said people from ethnic minorities have "felt fear" - and there will be a significant policing operation in the town in the coming days to reassure the community.

At least 15 police officers were injured on Monday. A 29-year-old man was arrested during the unrest on Monday night and charged with riotous and disorderly behaviour, attempted criminal damage and resisting police.

Mr Henderson said other arrests are expected following the examination of video footage. Local MP Jim Allister said tensions over immigration had been building for some time.

Mr Henderson said there was no intelligence suggesting the disorder was orchestrated, but added that some at the protest were "clearly intent on violence" and had prepared petrol bombs and masonry to use as missiles. Read more from Sky News:Reeves to invest 'billions' at spending reviewUK sanctions Israeli minister in 'major step' Downing Street said there was "no justification" for the violence.

Sir Keir Starmer's spokesman said: "The disorder we saw in Ballymena is very concerning." He added: "Obviously, the reports of sexual assault in the area are extremely distressing, but there is no justification for attacks on police officers while they continue to protect local communities. "PSNI and the justice system must be allowed to carry out their jobs and our thoughts are with the victims of the assault as well as the police officers who were injured." Hilary Benn, secretary of state for Northern Ireland, said on X that the "terrible scenes of civil disorder" seen on Monday and Tuesday night "have no place in Northern Ireland"..