The two Romanian boys who were accused of attempting to rape a schoolgirl in County Antrim, Ballymena, will have their charges dropped, the Public Prosecution Service has confirmed.
The boys, aged 14 and 15, sparked major riots across Northern Ireland, as some 2,500 gathered in the streets.
The teenagers, who have been held in juvenile detention centre for more than five months, will now be released.
Another youth, who is suspected to be involved in the alleged attack, is said to have fled to Romania the day after the incident, which occurred on June 7.
None of the accused can be identified due to their ages.
A previous court hearing heard there were claims the girl was dragged down an alleyway and into a garage. She allegedly escaped when the attackers were disturbed and ultimately ran off.
However, due to "significant evidential developments", the Public Prosecution Service was granted permission to end criminal proceedings against the boys at Belfast Youth Court on Friday.
A PPS spokesman said: "We have recently been made aware of significant evidential developments in this case.
Two Romanian boys who were accused of attempting to rape a schoolgirl in County Antrim, Ballymena, that sparked major riots across Northern Ireland, will have their charges dropped
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"In light of this new evidence, it has been determined that the test for prosecution is no longer met on evidential grounds, and therefore the case should not proceed.
"The prosecution team and the police investigation team met with the complainant and her family this morning to explain the reasons for the decision."
All charges faced by both defendants were formally withdrawn at Laganside Youth Court on Friday.
No objection was raised by the defendants' barristers to the withdrawal application.
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Police clashed with protesters for days after the alleged attack
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"The sooner this can be relayed to Woodlands [Juvenile Justice Centre] the sooner these two youths can be released," counsel said.
District Judge George Conner also said he was aware "this is a very sensitive case", adding that "the less I say about it the better".
The PPS added: “All PPS decisions in this case were taken independently, impartially and in line with the code for prosecutors.
“Due to the importance of respecting the privacy, anonymity, and wellbeing of all the young people involved, including the complainant, the PPS will not be making any further comment.
“We would appeal to the public not to engage in speculation, including online, about the case.”
The riots that were sparked by the allegations were described as "very disturbing" by North Antrim MP and TUV leader Jim Allister.
"It is very distressing to see scenes of violence on the streets of Ballymena," he said at the time.
After almost a week of rioting, more than 60 police officers were injured and 53 people, aged between 12 and 56 were arrested.
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