A hatchet has been thrown at police lines during a third night of violence in the north in which nine officers were injured.
Police have condemned the “completely unacceptable” disorder on Wednesday evening, which saw missiles thrown at officers in Ballymena, while trouble also flared in Larne and Coleraine.
Police fired plastic bullets, described as “attenuating Energy Projectiles” and also employed a water cannon in an attempt to “disperse and calm crowds”.
Traffic was also disrupted due to protest activity in Carrickfergus, Newtownabbey and Belfast - including Shore Road.
A total of six arrests were made on Wednesday evening in connection with the disorder.
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said a hatchet was hurled at officer during the trouble “in a clear attempt to seriously injure our officers”.
“I thank them once again for their continued efforts putting themselves on the line keeping our streets safe,” he said.
Officers also came under attack with “multiple petrol bombs, heavy masonry, bricks and fireworks thrown”.
Police also confirmed people were inside Larne Leisure Centre when it was attacked by rioters who smashed windows and set fires.
“Thankfully no injuries were reported – and we could have been looking at a completely different situation," ACC Henderson said.
In Carrickfergus, traffic disruption was caused as masked protestors blocked roads
Public transport services were disrupted, including in Coleraine, where police received a report that a bus was attacked and prevented from entering the town’s train station.
Bins were also set alight and placed on the tracks at the station, while petrol bombs were thrown at police.
A fire was reported at a nearby business premises in Coleraine, while another report was made that a tyre business was broken into and tyres added to the nearby fire.
Associated protests in Antrim, Lisburn and Belfast passed without incident, although traffic disruption occurred for a short period in the Shankill and Shore Road areas.
Calm was restored to all areas by 1am.
“This criminal behaviour has no place on the streets of Northern Ireland and is completely unacceptable,” ACC Henderson said.
“What we witnessed last night has caused fear and huge disruption within our communities, including to our local transport network and community services.”
He added: “We made six arrests last night during this disorder and more will follow. We are working hard to identify all those responsible in this criminal disorder, and those involved will be dealt with using the full force of the law.
“We are now in the process of gathering evidence, CCTV and other footage of yesterday’s disorder, and anyone who has information or who can help identify those responsible is asked to contact police on 101.
“I would strongly urge anyone who was involved in yesterday’s rioting and disorder to think long and hard about their actions and its impact. I would also appeal for calm voices and cool heads to reduce tensions.”
