Houses set alight in anti-immigrant protest in Northern Ireland

By Ahmet Gurhan Kartal

LONDON (AA) - At least two houses were set alight Monday evening in a serious disorder during an anti-immigrant protest in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, according to local reports.

The Police Service in Northern Ireland (PSNI) called for calm as several homes were attacked by masked youths, the Belfast Telegraph reported.

Footage shared on social media showed some protesters breaking the doors and windows of homes, throwing objects and setting alight curtains.

Firefighters were seen entering the homes set alight in breathing apparatuses to check if anyone was trapped, according to the report.

“We are urging everyone to remain calm and to act responsibly. Violence and disorder will only place people at greater risk,” said Chief Superintendent Sue Steen.

"Our priority is to keep the community safe, and I would appeal to everyone to work with us to bring calm to the area as quickly as possible,” she added.

Protesters barricaded the road and a small fire in the street was extinguished by fire crews.

The incident came hours after two 14-year-old boys appeared at Coleraine Magistrates’ Court charged with the attempted rape of a teenage girl in County Antrim, according to the report.