Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton has responded to comments made about the disorder in June.
Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said: "The Police Service of Northern Ireland will always listen to feedback and concerns on our policing operations but I do not accept that our actions on the evening of 9th June contributed to rioting. To the contrary the actions of our officers on that and subsequent nights undoubtedly saved lives. Responsibility for the despicable disorder in Ballymena rests squarely with the small number of people who chose to engage in wanton violence against the police and others within their own community.
"There was not, and cannot be, any excuse or justification for their actions."