Barricades were set alight in Larne last night and police officers came under attack by thugs hurling debris.
A PSNI helicopter was patrolling the area while the incident was on-going.
“The helicopter was essential to give us an aerial perspective and assist us in bringing the situation back under control,” said a PSNI spokesperson.
“It is never our intention to disturb anyone especially at this hour but last night we needed our eye in the sky to ensure the community was kept safe and our officers were able to go home in one piece.”
If you have any information on the disorder that occurred on the Linn Road you can contact the PSNI in Larne or dial 101 quoting 1398.
East Antrim Alliance activist Danny Donnelly it was ‘very disturbing’ to see masked thugs set fire to a barricade across a road in a residential area of Larne.
“This must be terrifying for families living in the area,” he added.
And Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson also expressed his concern for motorists and residents in the area.
BREAKING NEWS – There is an on going incident on the Linn Road area of The town tonight. There is currently a burning barricade across the road and reported that there is masked men running around. If your out at this time please try and avoid the area if possible. pic.twitter.com/LGhnBQxdmc
— Radio Larne (@radiolarne24) November 8, 2018
Very disturbing to see masked thugs set fire to a barricade across a road in a residential area of Larne tonight. This must be terrifying for families living in the area. pic.twitter.com/3xo7kG4OON
— Danny Donnelly (@DannyDonnelly1) November 7, 2018
Being told about ongoing incident in Larne pictures taken this evening. I am very concerned for motorists and residents in this area of Larne pic.twitter.com/QLJyogI9Ul
— Stewart Dickson MLA (@stewartcdickson) November 7, 2018
Our chopper kept a lot of Larne awake last night.
Sadly we came under attack as barricades were set alight on Linn Rd & we needed our Helicopter, not only to keep you safe but to ensure our officers got home safely
Con B – NPT#KeepingPeopleSafe #Police #PSNI @PSNIAirSupport pic.twitter.com/wZA2Sk91to
— PSNI M&EA District (@PSNIMEADistrict) November 8, 2018