Man Arrested Over Arson Attack at Larne Leisure Centre as Disorder-Related Arrests Rise Across Northern Ireland

A 25-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the arson attack at Larne Leisure Centre during recent race-related unrest. The incident is part of a wider wave of disorder across Northern Ireland that has seen 29 arrests to date, including charges against a 13-year-old girl for riot and others for hate crimes and online incitement.

Arson Arrest as Police Continue Clampdown on Public Disorder

Police in Northern Ireland have arrested a man in his 20s in connection with the arson attack on Larne Leisure Centre, which took place during racially-motivated disorder on Wednesday, 11 June. The arrest was made over the weekend during a house search in Larne.

The 25-year-old was detained on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life. He remains in custody.

The fire caused significant damage to the community facility and has been condemned by local representatives and law enforcement.

29 Arrests and Rising: Public Disorder Response Continues

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), supported by its Public Order Enquiry Team, continues to make daily arrests in connection with a wave of unrest that has affected towns across the country, including Ballymena, Bangor, Belfast, and Ardoyne.

As of today, 29 individuals have been arrested for offences ranging from riot, arson, and hate crimes, to online incitement and drug possession.

Youth and Adult Offenders Charged

Among those facing charges are:

• A 13-year-old girl charged with riot in connection with disorder in Ballymena.
• A 40-year-old man, also charged with riot from Monday, 9 June’s unrest in Ballymena.
• A 33-year-old woman charged with child cruelty.
• A 32-year-old man charged with sending menacing communications, encouraging criminal activity, and possession of Class B drugs. He is due before Coleraine Magistrates’ Court.

Race-Motivated Hate Crimes Under Investigation

Police are also investigating race-related graffiti in Bangor and at a house on Chadwick Street, south Belfast, as hate crimes.

In Ardoyne’s Brompton Park area, around 30 youths were involved in a minor incident involving a wheelie bin being set alight. No serious damage was reported and no arrests were made following police engagement.

Police Appeal for Calm and Community Support

Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones thanked local communities for their support and praised officers for their resilience:

“Everyone deserves to feel safe on our streets. We will seek justice for innocent families targeted by criminality fuelled by hate. We are grateful to those who continue to condemn this behaviour and urge continued calm.”

She also urged parents and guardians to speak with their children, warning of the long-term consequences of criminal activity.

“We don’t want to see more young people criminalised. Please have these conversations at home.”

Footage and Information Sought

PSNI has released images of individuals believed to be involved in recent disturbances and is calling on the public to help with identification.

• Submit images or video: Major Incident Public Portal
• Report information anonymously: Crimestoppers or call 0800 555 111
• Non-emergency reporting: PSNI Reporting Form

Officers Recovering from Injuries

While Sunday evening saw a reduced level of disorder, the PSNI confirmed 64 officers remain off duty due to injuries sustained over the past week.