Violence spreads in North as leisure centre burns

DISORDER sparked by protests in Ballymena spread across the North last night.

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Images showed masked thugs smashing windows and setting fires outside Larne Leisure Centre which spread inside.

It was reported that displaced individuals were taken there after disturbances in Ballymena on Tuesday.

PSNI vehicles blocked the main street area of Harryville last night as Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said the force would be bringing extra officers, vehicles and equipment to areas where unrest has taken place.

Online reports said demonstrations were set to take place in various areas across the country including Belfast, Newtownabbey, Portadown and Coleraine.

East Antrim MLA Gordon Lyons condemned the damage inflicted on Larne Leisure Centre and said it only serves to hurt residents of the town.

He added: "The violence and disorder witnessed on our streets over recent nights serves no purpose.