Authorities in Northern Ireland are calling for calm following a recent outbreak of disorder in Ballymena, Co Antrim. The unrest followed an alleged sexual assault incident in the town over the weekend.

During the disturbance, missiles were thrown at police in the town center, and several properties in the Clonavon Road area were damaged. In response, police have advised motorists and pedestrians to avoid the affected area until further notice.

Social media footage depicted two houses on fire in the vicinity, with firefighters on the scene to extinguish the flames. Additionally, videos circulating online showed masked individuals hurling projectiles at buildings, causing damage to windows. Some of the assailants also targeted PSNI vehicles with cans of paint and glass bottles.

A line of police vehicles, accompanied by officers on foot, moved towards the protesters to restore order. Firefighters later attended to the burning debris on the road and inspected a nearby property that had filled with smoke.

Chief Superintendent Sue Steen emphasized the importance of maintaining peace in the community, stating, "We are urging everyone to remain calm and to act responsibly. Violence and disorder will only place people at greater risk. 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."

Police noted that the unrest followed an earlier protest in the area. Two 14-year-old boys recently appeared in court charged with the attempted rape of a teenage girl in Ballymena. The alleged incident took place in Clonavon Terrace between 7.30pm and 10.30pm on Saturday, described by authorities as a "serious sexual assault."