Romanian teens accused of rape attempt that sparked riots have charges dropped

The alleged assault sparked racially-motivated riots in Ballymena and other places in Northern Ireland

Attempted rape charges against two Romanian teenagers, that sparked widespread racially-motivated riots across Northern Ireland, have been withdrawn.

The boys, aged 14 and 15, were accused of attempting to rape a schoolgirl in Ballymena, County Antrim on 7 June.

In a previous court hearing there were claims that the girl was dragged down an alleyway into a garage, but escaped when her would-be attackers were disturbed and ran off.

However, the Public Prosecution Service was granted permission to end criminal proceedings against the pair due to "significant evidential developments", at Belfast Youth Court on Friday.

The teenagers will now be released from the juvenile detention centre where they have been held for more than five months.

Another youth, who is suspected to be involved in the alleged attack, is believed to have fled to Romania the next day.

None of the accused can be identified because of their ages.

Following the alleged assault widespread racially-motivated took place in the town before spreading to other parts of Northern Ireland.

A car was burned in the middle of a street in Ballymena during several nights of disorder

A spokesperson for the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) said: "We have recently been made aware of significant evidential developments in this case.

"In light of this new evidence, it has been determined that the test for prosecution is no longer met on evidential grounds, and therefore the case should not proceed.

"The prosecution team and the police investigation team met with the complainant and her family this morning to explain the reasons for the decision."

Firefighters worked to extinguish a fire started by protesters in a house in Ballymena in June

'Very sensitive case'

The defendants' barristers raised no objection to the withdrawal application.

"The sooner this can be relayed to Woodlands [Juvenile Justice Centre] the sooner these two youths can be released," counsel said.

District Judge George Conner said he was aware "this is a very sensitive case", adding that "the less I say about it the better".

Det Ch Insp Stephanie Finlay said any "reported sexual crime is taken extremely seriously and thoroughly investigated".

"We continue to encourage those who have been victims of sexual crimes to come forward and report to us.

"You will be dealt with sensitively and will be offered the appropriate additional support."

"I would remind everyone to remain respectful in light of today's decision, and refrain from speculation, particularly on social media," she added.