BALLYMENA, Northern Ireland: A fire broke out at Larne Leisure Centre in Northern Ireland after several nights of violence and vandalism. Masked people smashed windows and started fires outside the building, after which the flames spread inside.

This incident came during a third night of trouble in the nearby town of Ballymena, just 30 minutes away.

Local politician Danny Donnelly from the Alliance Party called the attackers "masked thugs" and said on social media, "Larne does not need this."

In Ballymena, police were already dealing with growing unrest. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) sent riot police to Clonavon Terrace, where a large crowd had gathered. Around 9 p.m., police told people to leave after a firework was thrown at officers. Police also used dogs and drones to monitor the situation. Riot officers with shields moved in to break up the crowd, and some people threw objects at them.

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said extra police, vehicles, and equipment were being sent to areas with unrest. He mentioned serious damage the previous night in Belfast, Lisburn, Coleraine, Carrickfergus, and Newtownabbey, where businesses, homes, and cars were attacked. As of June 11, six people had been arrested for breaking public order, and one was charged.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer strongly condemned the violence. Thirty-two police officers had been hurt after the second night of disorder. He said in Parliament that the PSNI must be allowed to do their job and keep people safe without facing attacks.

PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher warned that the riots could harm the legal process in an ongoing investigation into a reported sexual assault on a teenage girl in Ballymena. Stormont government ministers also urged people to stay calm and let justice take its course.

Henderson said police had asked for 80 more officers from other parts of the UK. He added that deploying so many officers to handle the riots could reduce the number of police available for other duties.

During Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Keir again condemned the "mindless attacks" and stressed the importance of law and order.

Ministers from Northern Ireland's power-sharing government—including Sinn Féin, the DUP, the Alliance Party, and the UUP—released a joint statement. They said the rioters were only spreading "division and disorder" and had nothing useful to offer society.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly spoke out together against the violence. O'Neill called the situation "pure racism," pointing to cases of people being forced out of their homes by firebombs, smashed windows, and threats. She said the government fully supported the girl in the alleged assault case but insisted the law must handle the matter.

Little-Pengelly described the events as "unacceptable thuggery." She met with residents, who told her they were afraid and wanted peace. She said, "Violence must stop. That's the clear message from the community."

Police said their officers were attacked for hours with petrol bombs, bricks, and fireworks on June 10 night in Ballymena. They used riot police, baton rounds, water cannons, and dog units to respond. There were also reports of violence in Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus, and north Belfast.

The unrest started on the night of June 9 after a peaceful protest was held in support of the girl involved in the alleged assault. Two teenage boys have since been charged and appeared in court with the help of a Romanian interpreter.