Alliance Councillor Patricia O’Lynn has condemned on-going violence in Ballymena in recent days.

Speaking after a number of young people attacked police in the area, Patricia said as frustrations grow across the area, violence is never the answer.

She added: “Anyone with a platform to make a difference must use it now, to stop the empty rhetoric and the constant undermining of a police service whose officers are facing attack every night.

“I utterly condemn this violence, which has done nothing but spread fear and destruction throughout our community.

“As elected representatives we must do all we can to work together for the betterment of Northern Ireland and I want to encourage all young people and residents to express their concerns to their local representatives rather than continuing in this unrest.”