Larne: leisure Centre has been set on fire as disorder continues in Northern Ireland
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said the facility had been designated as an emergency rest centre for those in urgent need following disturbances in nearby Ballymena
Last updated 11th Jun 2025
Masked youths have tonight set parts of Larne Leisure Centre on fire.
Social media footage showed a number of individuals smashing and kicking in windows at the centre.
It comes after two nights of violence and public disorder in the town of Ballymena, 30 minutes away from Larne.
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said the facility had been designated as an emergency rest centre for those in urgent need following disturbances in nearby Ballymena but the families had been safely relocated elsewhere.
Police and firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control on Wednesday night.
East Antrim MLA Gordon Lyons has condemned the damage inflicted on Larne Leisure Centre and said it only serves to hurt residents of the town.
He said, “The violence and disorder witnessed on our streets over recent nights serves no purpose. Wanton destruction such as the attack on Larne Leisure Centre is an attack on all residents who use the facility.
"There is absolutely no excuse for what has taken place in Larne, and it must be condemned."
Our Chief Reporter James Gould spoke to Sinn Fein MP John Finucane
Ulster Unionist Party East Antrim MLA, John Stewart, condemned tonight’s "shocking arson and attacks" on Larne Leisure Centre, describing the events as “despicable and disgraceful.”
Mr. Stewart said, “The violence, vandalism, and intimidation seen this evening have absolutely no place in our society. The leisure centre is a vital community asset at the very heart of Larne. To see it targeted in such a senseless and deliberate manner is both truly shocking and deeply saddening.”
“I wholeheartedly condemn these actions. There is absolutely no excuse for what has taken place in Larne, and it must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. Violence and intimidation are not the answer and must not be allowed to gain any foothold in our communities. I urge anyone with information to come forward to the authorities.”
Local Alliance MLA Danny Donnelly said in a social media post: "Larne leisure centre has been attacked by masked thugs.
"Windows smashed and fires lit nearby. Larne does not need this."
The PSNI maintained a heightened presence in Ballymena as a significant crowd gathered around the Clonavon Terrace area.
Meanwhile, fires are currently being set within Cloughfern Roundabout.
In a statement on its Facebook page Antrim and Newtownabbey PSNI said: "Please avoid this area.
"We are appealing to parents and guardians to check in on your young folk and see where they are.
"Youths are actively engaged in this criminal behaviour."