Violence erupted in Portadown, Co Armagh, as police officers were targeted with petrol bombs, fireworks, and missiles during another night of unrest. The incident was condemned as 'racist thuggery' by political leaders and community members.

Images showed a police officer surrounded by flames after a petrol bomb exploded, highlighting the dangerous situation faced by law enforcement. The violence, which followed three nights of disorder in Ballymena, Co Antrim, involved attacks on officers and damage to public property.

Carla Lockhart, the DUP MP for the area, emphasized the need for calm and respect, stating that violence only leads to lasting scars on communities and individuals. Alliance deputy leader Eoin Tennyson also criticized the unrest, labeling it as 'racist thuggery' that undermines the rule of law.

The PSNI deployed water cannon to disperse the rioters and maintain order in Portadown. Similar disturbances were reported in other areas, including Londonderry, where protest-related damage occurred. A heightened police presence was announced across Northern Ireland to prevent further disorder over the weekend.