A number of houses have been torched during an anti-immigration protest in Ballymena after two teenagers of Romanian descent appeared in court accused of attempting to rape a local girl. 

Social media footage showed homes in Co Antrim on fire after a masked mob lit curtains after windows and doors of terraced properties in the town were caved in.

Four houses were destroyed after 2,500 people gathered in the Harryville area of Ballymena yesterday evening. Two more properties were also damaged and 15 police officers hospitalised in the Ballymena riots.

Police have said the violence is being investigated as racially-motivated hate attacks.

Locals had marched through the area claiming they were there in a show of support to the family of the local girl who was allegedly sexually abused by two teenagers who needed a Romanian interpreter in court yesterday. 

Some peaceful protesters carried placards saying they were there to ‘protect’ their own children. 

But rioting then broke out. Barricades were erected and fires lit. Some masked youths yelled ‘paedo-protectors’ as the emergency services arrived to battle blazes they had started. Houses were attacked and a boat was even overturned in the street. 

A 29-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of riotous and disorderly behaviour, attempted criminal damage and resisting police. He remains in police custody today. 

The protest was organised hours after two 14-year-old boys had appeared in court over the serious sexual assault on a teenage girl from the town.

The suspects confirmed their names and ages through a Romanian interpreter at Coleraine Magistrates’ Court on Monday morning. Their lawyer indicated they would plead not guilty. 

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said today: ‘The disorder we saw in Ballymena is very concerning. Reports of sexual assault in the area are extremely distressing but there is no justification for attacks on police officers while they continue to protect local communities.

Masked and hooded youths launch an attack on a house in the town when protests turned into rioting

One of four properties that was set alight and attacked in Ballymena last night after the attempted rape of a local girl sparked protests in Northern Ireland

Social media footage showed a fire raging inside one house. Masked youths were seen smashing windows and setting curtains alight

Firefighters attempt to put out fires in streets and houses in the Northern Irish town last night

A boat turned upside down on a street in the area amid the riots, with smashed glass on the floor 

‘The PSNI and the justice system must be allowed to carry out their jobs. Our thoughts are with the victims of the assault as well as the police officers who were injured.’

He added: ‘Ministers and colleagues are in touch with counterparts.’

The two 14-year-old boys are charged with attempted oral rape and both deny the charges. 

A huge crowd had gathered in a local park before moving towards the Clonavon Terrace area of Ballymena yesterday.

But rioting broke out and masked youths were seen kicking in doors and setting fires in four houses, with these blazes spreading to neighbouring properties. 

Firefighters in breathing apparatus were going door-to-door to check if anyone was trapped inside before battling fires through the night. 

The teenagers accused of attempted rape appeared in court yesterday via videolink from Woodlands Juvenile Centre. They sat side-by-side wearing grey tracksuits. 

There was no application for bail – but their solicitor said both teenagers deny the charge.

They were remanded in custody and will appear again at Ballymena Magistrates’ Court on July 2.

After the hearing, protesters said to be in their thousands gathered in the area where the alleged attack took place.

Missiles including masonry and petrol bombs as well as paint were hurled at police lines, according to local reports, while nearby properties were also vandalised by masked youths who were accused of setting fires. 

Officers are in attendance to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the riots 

A large police presence at the protest last night, which saw around 2,500 people gathered together 

A police car also had its windows smashed. Another vehicle was torched. 

Amid concerns about more trouble tonight, police are calling for calm. 

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said: ‘The shocking scenes of disorder on the streets of Ballymena have to be condemned in the strongest terms.

‘This is not the way. People have been injured and public property damaged. We are engaging with groups that have been affected by this disorder and we are gathering evidence, CCTV and other footage to progress criminal investigations.

‘I want to put on record my appreciation and gratitude to our officers who were determined to restore order to the town in the most challenging of circumstances with bricks, furniture and petrol bombs all thrown in their direction. They worked fearlessly to try to bring calm to the most volatile of situations. I’m also grateful to our partners in the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and Northern Ireland Ambulance Service for their support through-out.

‘I would strongly urge anyone who was involved in yesterday’s rioting and disorder to think long and hard about their actions. Violence and disorder will only place people at greater risk. Our priority is to keep the community safe and we need everyone to work with us, we want better for Ballymena and Northern Ireland.

‘Anyone who has information or who can help identify those responsible is asked to contact police on 101.’