Cliff Notes
- Violence in Northern Ireland has intensified, with petrol bombs thrown during clashes, now shifting from Ballymena to Portadown.
- Police report over 63 injuries from recent unrest, which was sparked by the alleged sexual assault of a girl and arrests of two 14-year-old boys.
- Emergency accommodation has been provided for 14 families, as incidents of racism fuel ongoing unrest, drawing condemnation from officials.
Petrol bombs thrown at police in fifth night of violence in Northern Ireland as trouble moves to Portadown | UK News
Petrol bombs have been thrown in a fifth night of violence in Northern Ireland – with the trouble now moving from Ballymena to Portadown.
Fireworks and bottles were also hurled at police, who responded with water cannon in an effort to move people off West Street.
The unrest began on Monday in Ballymena over the alleged sexual assault of a girl in the town and the subsequent arrest of two 14-year-old boys.
Some homes have been attacked and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive said 14 families had been given emergency accommodation.
Police say the violence is fuelled by racism after the two 14-year-old suspects used a Romanian interpreter to plead not guilty in court.
There were also reports on Friday night of damage to public property in the Tullyally area of Londonderry/Derry as police dealt with another protest.
Officers are to be sent from Scotland to bolster the response and “reassure our communities”, announced PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson.