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.

They had been charged with raping the teenage girl on 7 June in the County Antrim town, an allegation that sparked a violent campaign against foreigners , especially ethnic Roma immigrants from eastern Europe. Dozens of families fled and copycat disturbances spread to other towns. A third teenager suspected of involvement in the alleged attack reportedly fled to Romania.

The PPS said in a statement it had a duty to consider new information

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