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Riots at anti-immigration protest in Northern Ireland

Several houses were attacked by masked youths

Police have appealed for calm after serious riots broke out on the streets of the town of Ballymena in Northern Ireland earlier in the night during an anti-immigration protest, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.

Several houses were attacked by masked youths who were seen kicking in doors and throwing rockets at windows, the "Belfast Telegraph" reported.

Ballymina is located about 35 km. northwest of Belfast.

Footage shows how some of the attackers try to set curtains on fire after the front windows were broken. At least two houses in Ballymena were set on fire, with flames spreading to other properties.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus could be seen fighting their way into buildings amid fears people may be trapped inside.