'TROUBLE MAKERS: STAY AWAY FROM BALLYCASTLE'

Inspector Bryan Hume of Moyle PSNI said many of the 19 people arrested were locals and he said he wants decisive action taken against offenders.

And he had a blunt message for anyone intent on causing trouble: “Do not come to Ballycastle”.

The Inspector, who is also personally involved in community groups aimed at promoting Ballycastle, was speaking in the wake of a riot in which a number of police officers were injured.

There has been trouble in recent years at the Lammas Fair when large groups of people have spilled out of night spots or otherwise gathered on the streets.

Reacting to the riot in the early hours of Monday morning and other trouble over the weekend, Inspector Hume, speaking on Monday morning, said: “Police in Ballycastle are determined to help prevent these type of incidents from occurring by making arrests and taking every step to keep the public safe.

“ It should be noted that these incidents can not be blamed on the Fair or on people from outside Ballycastle.

“The majority of these arrests were persons connected to the area who obviously saw the crowds as an opportunity to cause trouble in the town.

“Police took decisive action as local residents in Ballycastle and visitors alike have no time for this sort of behavour, and neither do we.

“I would appeal to anyone who sees notices anti-social behaviour to contact the police. We will continue to take firm action on behalf of the community.

“Police in a pubic order role were used on Sunday night as was necessary for offcier safety due to bottles being thrown. However, as soon as the risk was dealt with ordinary policing resumed.

“Ballycastle has an extremely low crime rate and it is the police intention that this will not change because of mindless persons who want to start trouble.

“Our message is - if you want to get involved in trouble, do not come to Ballycastle, and if you do, you could find yourself arrested, brought to a Custody Suite, charged and brought before the court,” said Inspector Hume.

A police press office statement said shortly before 2am, a large crowd at the Diamond and streets leading onto the Diamond, began to throw missiles including bottles at local police.

A spokesperson said: “Additional police responded to the area to help ensure the safety of police and traffic and to protect members of the public who were not involved in the disorder.

“Six officers were assaulted or struck with missiles. Two officers sustained injuries, which were not serious.

“The disorder continued for around one hour.

“A total of 19 arrests were made. The majority of arrested persons were arrested in connection with riotous behaviour or disorderly behaviour and will have been released pending report or street bailed,” said the spokesperson.

There was also trouble in the town on Friday night/Saturday morning

Continued the spokesperson: “In addition, at 1.30am on Saturday it was reported that a man in his 50s had been assaulted in a bar at Castle Street. The man was struck to the face with a glass. A man aged in his 30s was arrested and has been released pending further enquiries.

“On Friday night into Saturday morning seven arrests were made in connection with a number of incidents of disorderly behaviour overnight. Police enquiries into the incident are ongoing.”

Anyone with information who hasn't spoken to police is asked to contact 08456008000, alternatively information about crime can be passed anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity by calling 0800555111.