Serious public disorder broke out in Ballymena town centre on Monday evening, following an earlier protest, with police officers injured and properties damaged.

The unrest, primarily focused around the Clonavon Road area, saw missiles thrown at police and a number of homes and businesses sustaining damage, including some set on fire.

The PSNI confirmed they were dealing with the disorder, advising motorists and pedestrians to avoid the Clonavon Road area. Officers remained on the scene throughout the night to monitor the situation.

Chief Superintendent Sue Steen urged for calm: "We are urging everyone to remain calm and to act responsibly. Violence and disorder will only place people at greater risk. Our priority is to keep the community safe, and I would appeal to everyone to work with us to bring calm to the area as quickly as possible."

Justice Minister Naomi Long condemned the "appalling" scenes in the County Antrim town. "I am absolutely appalled by the disturbing scenes in Ballymena yesterday evening during which PSNI officers were injured, residents terrorised, and properties damaged," Minister Long said. "There is absolutely no place in our society for such disorder and there can be no justification for it." Minister Long appealed to those involved to "seriously consider their actions and step back from this behaviour before someone is seriously injured or worse." She added: "Attacking homes and police officers serves no purpose other than to damage communities and raise tensions. Those involved will be pursued and held accountable for their actions."

The Justice Minister also conveyed her best wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured PSNI officers and called upon community and political leaders to condemn the violence and work with police to quell any further disorder.

The unrest followed a protest earlier in the evening. Reports indicate that a vigil, initially peaceful, had gathered in the Galgorm Road area before proceeding towards Clonavon Terrace. Masked individuals then broke away, building barricades, stockpiling missiles, and attacking properties and police officers. At least 15 officers were injured during the sustained attacks, with some requiring hospital treatment. Two police vehicles were also damaged. Four houses were damaged by fire, leading to the evacuation of three residents. These property attacks are being investigated as racially-motivated hate crimes.

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

The PSNI is appealing for anyone with information that could assist their investigation to contact them on 101 or make a report online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.