THIS is the horror moment a masked rioter in Ballymena accidentally set himself on fire while trying to hurl a petrol bomb at police.
Riot officers were deployed to the Co Antrim town again last night after an originally peaceful vigil turned violent.
Some 17 PSNI officers were injured in Ballymena over the last two nights[/caption]
The vigil was held for a teenage girl who was victim of an alleged sex attack in the area.
And last night’s scenes came after disorder broke out on the streets in Ballymena on Monday night, just hours after two 14-year-old boys were charged with the attempted rape of the girl.
Families fled their homes during the second night of chaotic riots last night as houses were petrol bombed and thugs were targeted with water cannons by the PSNI.
Crowds set fire to piles of furniture next to shops with huge flames and thick black plumes of smoke erupting in packed streets.
In a statement this morning, the PSNI confirmed that police officers came “under sustained attack over a number of hours” with multiple petrol bombs, heavy masonry, bricks and fireworks in their direction.
One hooded rioter set himself on fire amidst the chaos, with footage showing him running down the streets in horror as the flames engulfed his clothes.
Cloaked in a light grey tracksuit with the hood raised, the video captures the rioter’s failed attempt to hurl a flaming bottle which resulted in them being engulfed in fire.
Some involved in the protest were heard laughing at the thug in the background whilst other protestors rushed to his aid.
One protestor grabbed the man, whose clothes were still alight, as he ran towards a crowd and patted him down, successfully dousing the flames.
Authorities last night accused “racist thugs” of hijacking the vigil.
Some 17 PSNI officers were injured, with some requiring required hospital treatment, during the chaos over the last two days.
And the PSNI has confirmed that the violence in Ballymena spread across other parts of Northern Ireland.
Yesterday evening, a number of protests took place in areas of Belfast, Lisburn, Coleraine and Newtownabbey.
Officers attended to monitor the situation and “ensure an appropriate and proportionate” policing response.
In Carrickfergus, two bins were set alight and bottles and masonry thrown at police in the Sunnylands area by a group of 20-30 young people at around 8.30pm.
In Newtownabbey, bins were set alight at the roundabout on O’Neill Road.
‘RACIST ATTACKS’
The North Belfast MP said: “I am horrified to learn that a number of were attacked near the Ballysillan area of north Belfast in suspected racist attacks.
“My thoughts are with the families affected by this abhorrent act.
“This kind of behaviour is deplorable and must be unequivocally condemned and called out by all political and community representatives.
“In situations like this, where such sickening behaviour occurs, strong and united leadership is essential to ensure it is not repeated”.
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: “The mindless violence witnessed over the past two nights in Ballymena is deeply concerning and utterly unacceptable.
“These criminal acts not only endanger lives but also risk undermining the ongoing criminal justice process led by the PSNI in support of a victim who deserves truth, justice, and protection.
“Ironically, and frustratingly, this violence threatens to derail the very pursuit of justice it claims to challenge.
‘WE WILL FIND THOSE RESPONSIBLE’
“Let me be clear: this behaviour must stop. I appeal to everyone involved to cease all further acts of criminality and disorder immediately.”
Chief Constable Boutcher vowed to “pursue those responsible and bring them to justice”, adding that cops are launching an investigation into the riots.
Officers are currently reviewing “all evidence” gathered, including video footage.
And Boutcher said images of the individuals involved in the disorder will be released to identify offenders.
He added: “To those who have been threatened or affected by this violence: we are with you. You deserve safety and justice, and we will find and prosecute those responsible.
“Hate-fuelled acts and mob rule do nothing but tear at the fabric of our society—they resolve nothing and serve no one.”
Rioters set fire to property and launched fireworks and missiles at police lines[/caption]
