Tuesday marked a second consecutive night of violence in Northern Ireland, where hundreds of masked rioters attacked police officers and damaged several vehicles and properties in the town of Ballymena – 45 km northwest of Belfast. The riots erupted Monday after peaceful protests in response to allegations that two 14-year-old Romanian boys sexually assaulted a teenage girl in the Country Antrim town – a claim both the accused denied in court. Locals gathered to support the victim and her family, however, Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officials say some “masked individuals broke away from the vigil” then “attacked officers with petrol bombs and masonry.” Five arrests were made Monday night, after four houses were broken into and set alight. Authorities have expressed suspicion that the attacks were racially-motivated "hate crimes.” Escalated violence Tuesday resulted in the deployment of riot police who utilized armoured vans, water cannons and baton rounds to fend off those partaking in “public disorder.” 17 PSNI officers were injured overnight, bringing the total to 32 since Monday. For more info, please go to https://globalnews.ca Subscribe to Global News Channel HERE: http://bit.ly/20fcXDc Like Global News on Facebook HERE: http://bit.ly/255GMJQ Follow Global News on X HERE: http://bit.ly/1Toz8mt Follow Global News on Instagram HERE: https://bit.ly/2QZaZIB #GlobalNews #NorthernIreland #Riots #Crime