Rape charges that triggered Ballymena race riots dropped

Prosecutors cite ‘significant evidential developments’ in decision to end criminal case against Romanian boys

Prosecutors have dropped charges against two Romanian teenagers who were accused of raping a schoolgirl in Ballymena – an allegation that triggered race riots in Northern Ireland.

The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) on Friday cited “significant evidential developments” in its decision to end criminal proceedings against the boys, aged 14 and 15.