Five arrested during riot

Five people were arrested during the disturbances

Five people have been arrested following rioting in Ballymena in County Antrim.

Around 60 people threw stones and paint bombs at police in the Fisherwick Gardens area on Saturday night in what the RUC described as "major public disorder".

The trouble flared after a bonfire was started in the estate.

Seven petrol bombs were recovered. There was also trouble in the Dunclug Park area.

The mayor of Ballymena, Thomas Nicholl, has blamed republicans.

"There is an element there which would be a republican-type element," he said.

"Certainly it would appear to me to be orchestrated by people wanting to cause trouble and bring it to that area."

Local SDLP councillor Declan O'Loan said most of the trouble was caused by outsiders.

"Most of the residents were opposed to the bonfire happening and made that very clear," he said.

"This brought a number of mostly very young people in from other estates and they gathered in considerable numbers - anything up to 60 - and started causing a certain amount of bother.

"The police were drawn into the estate and there was a certain amount of stoning of the police.

"I feel sorry for the vast majority of very good and very decent residents here who simply want a quiet life."

Meanwhile, a car has been badly damaged in a petrol bomb attack in Randalstown in County Antrim.

Two devices were thrown into a Volvo car parked in the Glenkeen area on Saturday night.