Prior to the fire, Gordon Lyons posted on social media that the leisure centre had been used to accommodate several people following riotous behaviour in the town of Ballymena
The Communities Minister is facing a call to the standards watchdog after vandalism and arson struck Larne Leisure Centre during riots in Northern Ireland for a third night in a row.
A Leisure Centre in Larne has been set on fire by “masked youths”. An image from the scene shows raging flames and a thick plume of grey smoke billowing from the building’s entrance. In a seperate clip, a police van is seen driving up to the building – which can be seen engulfed in flames with its front windows smashed through.
Before the blaze started, Gordon Lyons turned to social media to reveal that the leisure centre had been utilised for housing multiple individuals amid tumultuous scenes in Ballymena, situated about 30 minutes away. Matthew O’Toole, leader of the opposition in Stormont, has stated his intent to report the minister to the standards commissioner.
Lyons voiced his concern on Wednesday, noting: “As a local MLA for the area, neither I nor my DUP Council colleagues were made aware or consulted on this decision until late this afternoon.” He further clarified the situation: “It has now been confirmed to us by the PSNI and Council that all these individuals are in the care of the Housing Executive and have been moved out of Larne.”
He also appealed to the public, saying: “Protesting is of course a legitimate right but violence is not and I would encourage everyone to remain peaceful.”
Later, a fire erupted at the leisure centre following acts of vandalism on Northern Ireland’s third consecutive night rocked by upheaval. On Wednesday, masked agitators shattered windows at the Co Antrim facility and ignited fires that subsequently spread indoors.
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council confirmed that the building had been earmarked as an emergency respite site for those seriously affected by the turmoil in Ballymena; however, all families had been moved to safety.
Emergency services, including police and fire brigades, tackled the fire into Wednesday evening to contain the situation Mr Lyons expressed his deep disapproval of the vandalism at Larne Leisure Centre, stressing its detrimental impact on the local community.
He remarked: “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.”
Meanwhile, SDLP MLA Mr O’Toole didn’t hold back in his criticism, pointing a finger towards the Communities Minister’s role, saying: “The actions of the Communities Minister cannot be ignored. He is the minister responsible for the Housing Executive and lives are at stake.”
O’Toole outlined that the opposition intends to report Mr Lyons to the standards commissioner come Thursday and will “explore all other options for accountability”
The DUP has been contacted by The Mirror for comment.
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