The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has condemned a third consecutive night of "completely unacceptable" disorder across various locations, which resulted in nine officers sustaining injuries and six arrests.

On Wednesday evening, 11 June, officers in Ballymena again faced sustained attacks in the Clonavon Terrace area, with multiple petrol bombs, heavy masonry, bricks, and fireworks thrown in their direction. Nine officers were injured, though none reported serious injuries, and all remained on duty. Five individuals – two men in their 20s, one in his 30s, and two teenagers – were arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour and other offences in connection with the unrest. Police deployed Attenuating Energy Projectiles (AEPs) and the water cannon in efforts to disperse crowds.

In Larne, emergency services responded to a report of the local leisure centre being set alight in what police described as a "shameful arson attack." Authorities confirmed people were inside the building at the time of the fire, though no injuries were reported. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the blaze are ongoing.

Further incidents included masked protestors blocking roads in the Marine Highway area of Carrickfergus, causing traffic disruption. A teenager was also arrested in the Newtownabbey area in connection with disorder on Station Road.

Coleraine experienced significant disruption, with police receiving reports of a bus being attacked and prevented from entering the train station. Bins were set alight on train tracks, and petrol bombs were thrown at officers, leading to the cancellation of train and bus services. Police are also investigating a fire at nearby business premises and a subsequent report of young people breaking into a local tyre business to add tyres to the fire.

While associated protests in the Antrim and Lisburn areas passed without incident, officers in Belfast responded to several protests across the city, which were largely peaceful but caused temporary travel disruption in the Shankill and Shore Road areas. Calm was restored to all affected areas by approximately 1am this morning following a significant policing operation.

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson commented on the events, stating: "Last night a significant policing operation was again required on our streets to deal with violent disorder. This criminal behaviour has no place on the streets of Northern Ireland and is completely unacceptable."

He added: "What we witnessed last night has caused fear and huge disruption within our communities, including to our local transport network and community services. Police officers came under attack from petrol bombs, fireworks and heavy masonry. A hatchet was also thrown at police lines during this disorder in a clear attempt to seriously injure our officers – and I thank them once again for their continued efforts putting themselves on the line keeping our streets safe."

ACC Henderson confirmed that six arrests were made during Wednesday night's disorder, with more expected as investigations continue. "We are working hard to identify all those responsible in this criminal disorder, and those involved will be dealt with using the full force of the law," he stated.

The PSNI is in the process of gathering evidence, including CCTV and other footage. ACC Henderson urged anyone with information or who can help identify those responsible to contact police on 101 or submit a report online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. He concluded by appealing for "calm voices and cool heads to reduce tensions."

Photos and footage, including CCTV, mobile phone or dash cam footage, can be shared with police through the Major Incident Public Portal at mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI25U11-PO1

A report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/