Families hid in attics and wardrobes during violent disorder in Ballymena, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Chief Constable has said.
This comes following three days of violence in Ballymena, and some other towns, in which 41 officers were injured and 13 people arrested.
The disorder began on Monday after a peaceful protest over an alleged sexual assault in the County Antrim town.
Jon Boutcher described that violence as "racist", adding "the people who are threatening families who are different to them - that is racism".
Mr Boutcher said after a peaceful protest was "hijacked" on Monday evening, police and the fire service had to help families "who have done nothing wrong".
