Fire at Larne Leisure Centre following attack as violence erupts in parts of Northern Ireland

A fire has broken out at Larne Leisure Centre following a disturbance at the facility.

Social media footage showed masked individuals smashing windows at the leisure centre in Co Antrim and setting fires outside on Wednesday.

It comes after two nights of violence and public disorder in the town of Ballymena, 30 minutes away from Larne.

It was reported earlier on Wednesday that the leisure centre had been used to house migrants who had to leave Ballymena.

Alliance MLA Danny Donnelly said in a social media post: “Larne leisure centre has been attacked by masked thugs.

“Windows smashed and fires lit nearby. Larne does not need this.”

East Antrim MLA Gordon Lyons said it only serves to hurt residents of the town.

“The violence and disorder witnessed on our streets over recent nights serves no purpose. Wanton destruction such as the attack on Larne Leisure Centre is an attack on all residents who use the facility.

“There is absolutely no excuse for what has taken place in Larne, and it must be condemned.”

The PSNI maintained a heightened presence in Ballymena as a significant crowd gathered around the Clonavon Terrace area.

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