PacemakerThere were “some sporadic disturbances” in parts of Northern Ireland on Saturday night, but at a much lower level than on previous nights, police have said.
In total, 64 police officers have been injured in disturbances which started on Monday after a peaceful protest over an alleged sexual assault in Ballymena, County Antrim, and later spread to other areas.
Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones said on Sunday the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) had made 24 arrests so far, with 14 people charged.
She urged families to keep young people away from trouble and stop them from ending up with criminal records.
ACC Jones said the PSNI was “working day and night” to identify suspects.
She said Chief Constable Jon Boutcher had met with community representatives of people who have been affected by the violence.
Earlier, Mr Boutcher said “bigots and racists” were behind the rioting.
ACC Jones said everyone deserved to feel safe on the streets.
“Just as we will seek justice for women and girls who report heinous crimes to us, we will also seek justice for local innocent families who are being targeted by criminality fuelled by hate,” she said.
Violence first broke out in Ballymena after two teenage boys appeared before Coleraine Magistrates’ Court accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl.
They spoke through an interpreter in Romanian to confirm their names and ages.
Their solicitor said they would be denying the charges.
A peaceful protest was held on Monday, but after it dispersed rioting broke out.
Where was there trouble on Saturday?
Police said disturbances on Saturday night included an incident of attempted criminal damage to a vehicle in Carrickfergus, County Antrim.
A 40-year-old man has been charged over the incident and is due to appear in court in July.
Two boys, aged 14 and 12, were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage after a report of a group of people throwing bottles at addresses in Lurgan, County Armagh.
They were later released on bail.
Earlier on Saturday an anti-racism rally was held at Belfast City Hall, with organisers United Against Racism saying those responsible for the violence had “nothing to offer but hatred and fear”.
PSNIACC Jones said the “unwavering efforts” of police officers over the past week had “resulted in a reduction of disorder and I hope the local communities who have been targeted have felt the support of our frontline teams”.
“To come under sustained attack when you are there to serve and protect all is disheartening to say the least,” she added.
“They have been steadfast in their commitment to restore peace and I am proud of them all.”
She said the PSNI had “already released images of a number of individuals we want to identify and interview in connection with our ongoing investigation”.
ACC Jones urged anyone who may have information to bring it forward.
Timeline: How Northern Ireland riots unfolded
Getty ImagesMonday
A peaceful protest was held in Ballymena, County Antrim, after two teenage boys appeared before Coleraine Magistrates’ Court accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl.
They spoke through an interpreter in Romanian to confirm their names and ages.
Their solicitor said they would be denying the charges.
Later in the day, violence broke out when a number of people wearing masks broke away from the peaceful protest, built barricades and attacked properties on Clonavon Terrace.
People threw petrol bombs, bricks and fireworks at police.
Tuesday
Protesters attacked police during another night of disorder in Ballymena. Cars were set on fire and the windows of several houses were smashed.
Police also dealt with sporadic incidents of disorder in Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus in County Antrim and in north Belfast.
Wednesday
The worst of the disorder was again in Ballymena, but unrest also spread to other towns.
In Larne, County Antrim, masked youths attacked a leisure centre and set it on fire. The centre had been providing emergency shelter for families.
Police Scotland agreed to send officers to Northern Ireland to provide support.
Thursday
There was a fourth night of disorder, but at a lower level than seen earlier in the week.
About 400 protesters gathered in the centre of Portadown, County Armagh.
Bricks and masonry were thrown at police.
There was also a police presence in Ballymena, but the rioters stayed away.
About 100 people turned up at an anti-racism protest in west Belfast, which passed off peacefully.
The home of a family with three children was set on fire in Coleraine.
Friday
Police in Portadown used water cannon to tackle rioters but the violence was again at a lower level than earlier in the week.
Police released photos of suspects they wanted the public to help identify in connection with the disorder.
There was also violence in Londonderry, Newry, Newtownabbey and a car was set on fire in Belfast.
Saturday
Police said there were “some sporadic disturbances in different locations”, but that the “situation was much calmer” than previous days.
