Teenagers on rioting charges

Five teenagers have been arrested and charged after public disorder erupted in the O’Neill Road area of Newtownabbey on Sunday evening.
Remains of a hijacked car on the O'Neill Road following Sunday night's violence. INNT 26-600conRemains of a hijacked car on the O'Neill Road following Sunday night's violence. INNT 26-600con
Remains of a hijacked car on the O'Neill Road following Sunday night's violence. INNT 26-600con

Police said trouble broke out after youths gathered at O’Neill Road around 8pm.

A number of cars were hijacked and set alight in the area, and stones and other missiles were thrown.

Newtownabbey councillor and resident of the nearby Rathfern estate, Billy Ball witnessed the disturbance.

He said petrol bombs were also thrown at police and plastic bullets were fired in response.

However, police have told the Times no plastic bullets were fired during the disorder.

Councillor Ball added: “We need people to step back and for cool heads all round.

“There are other ways, violence is not the answer.”

Four males all aged 15 and an 18-year-old man, were detained on suspicion of riotous behaviour, they were later charged and are due to appear in Belfast Magistrates’ Court.

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