Larne: Olympic swimmer hits out at attack on leisure centre

One of Northern Ireland's best-known swimmers has hit out at an attack on her the local leisure centre in Larne.

Danielle Hill, who competed in both the Paris and Tokyo Olympic Games, is a member of the town's swimming club and coaches children at the leisure facility.

Serious damage was caused to the centre last night after it had been set on fire.

It happened as nearby Ballymena witnessed a third night of disorder.

Masked youths attacked the premises under the impression it was housing immigrant families who had been affected by violence.

Today (Thursday) the leisure centre was described as closed until further notice while the damage is assessed.

Danielle spoke of her sadness at events in the town that "I have proudly represented on the world stage".

"No child should ever be forced to witness masked men in their home community," she said.

"The local leisure centre is a safe place for so many, from young children (as young as six) learning to swim to elderly residents, has now been transformed into a place marked by fear and trauma.

"What unfolded last night was not just violence - it was racism in its rawest and most dangerous form. Young people seeking 'fun' in a senseless act of vandalism.

"And its consequences are already being felt; a local community torn apart, families left frightened, workers left without incomes.

"The harm is not abstract - it is here, it is local and it is devastating."

She also called for rebuilding.

"This is a moment to come together, not fall apart," she said.

"Let's keep talking. Let's keep listening. As we have done so many times before, let's lead with compassion, stand up for one another and show the strength of our community through our support - for every child and every family that calls this centre a home. Time to rebuild."