Ballymena Erupts in Violence After Protest, Leaving Officers Injured and Properties Damaged

Public disorder erupted in Ballymena, resulting in injuries to approximately 15 police officers and the throwing of missiles. The Police Service Northern Ireland (PSNI) strongly condemned the violence.

The unrest followed a protest held in support of the family of a young girl who was reportedly the victim of a sexual assault over the weekend. Initially, officers were present at a peaceful vigil to manage the large gathering. However, a group of masked individuals broke away from the vigil, constructing barricades, stockpiling missiles, and attacking properties.

Some injured officers required hospital treatment, and two police vehicles were damaged during the disorder. Masked rioters threw multiple petrol bombs, fireworks, heavy masonry, and bricks at the police. One arrest has been made so far. The force reported damage to several properties.

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson expressed strong condemnation of the disorder, emphasizing that violence is not the answer. He acknowledged the injuries to individuals and the damage to public property. He also expressed gratitude to the officers, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service for their support.

Social media footage showed fire and smoke near residential buildings, with police present. Another clip appeared to show a masked man throwing an object at police vans.

Hundreds of protesters had initially gathered in Ballymena in response to a sexual assault case involving two teenage boys. The teenagers, who cannot be identified due to their ages, were charged with attempted rape. Local media reported that the initial gathering was peaceful, but later in the evening, several houses were attacked by masked youths. These attacks are being investigated as racially motivated hate crimes.

Justice minister Naomi Long criticized the violence against officers, expressing her dismay at the disturbing scenes. She stated that such disorder has no place in society and urged those involved to reconsider their actions.

North Antrim MP Jim Allister linked the violence to growing tensions over immigration in Ballymena. He noted rising concerns about the scale of migration, which contributed to the peaceful protest. He distinguished this from the subsequent violence, which he attributed to a minority. He also stated that he had spoken to the family of the girl, who did not want to see violence.

A 29-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of riotous and disorderly behavior, attempted criminal damage, and resisting police. He remains in police custody. Officers have advised motorists and pedestrians to avoid Clonavon Road until further notice.