Police in Northern Ireland say 17 officers were injured during a second night of anti-immigrant violence in the town of Ballymena.

Anti-immigrant riots began in Ballymena, but economic grievances may not be enough to explain the phenomenon. Anti-immigration protests have escalated into clashes with police in several towns in Northern Ireland this week, marking a new wave of unrest to hit the United Kingdom.

Communities in Northern Ireland are reeling after two nights of anti-immigration riots left homes destroyed and tensions high. Dozens of police officers were injured in the violence, which authorities say was racially motivated.