Riots erupted for the third consecutive night in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, following an alleged sexual assault, leading police to label the violence as 'racist thuggery.' Dozens of masked rioters clashed with police, throwing objects and launching fires, resulting in injuries to over 30 officers. Although unrest was significantly smaller compared to previous nights, some violence flared in nearby towns. Controversy arose as the communities minister identified a leisure centre sheltering families fleeing violence, igniting criticism from political rivals. The UK Prime Minister condemned the violence amidst escalating tensions.
Youths threw rocks, fireworks and Molotov cocktails at officers in riot gear as armoured vehicles blocked roads in the town. The violence originated from an alleged sexual assault.
Gordon Lyons, the communities minister, faced backlash for revealing the location of a leisure centre housing families fleeing anti-immigrant violence.
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