Fireworks and petrol bombs thrown at police in second night of unrest in Ballymena

Police have described the violent scenes as "racist thuggery"

Officers were carrying shields and wearing armour as they used plastic batons and water cannons to attempt to disperse crowds.

Cars were set on fire, and sirens could reportedly be heard into the night across the town.

Sky News correspondent Connor Gillies said some families have been hiding in their attics as the violence grew.

"The talk here in this town is that it could go on for weeks yet," he said.

The outbreak of disorder came after a peaceful protest in support of the family of a girl who was allegedly sexually assaulted over the weekend.

Two 14-year-old boys appeared at Coleraine Magistrates’ Court on Monday, and were charged with attempted rape. Their charges were read to them by a Romanian interpreter.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed that they had made a third arrest in connection with the alleged assault, but the man was unconditionally released.

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson described the violent scenes in Ballymena as "racist thuggery, pure and simple", and said the force is "actively working to identify those responsible" for the "racially motivated disorder".