Second Night of Disorder in Ballymena Prompts Police Response

Violent disorder occurred for a second consecutive night in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, on Tuesday, requiring deployment of riot police and specialized units.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) reported that multiple vehicles and properties were damaged by fire while officers faced attacks from projectiles, including petrol bombs, fireworks, and masonry. Law enforcement responded with riot police, plastic baton rounds, water cannons, and dog units to address the situation.

According to PSNI statements, order was restored in the Clonavon Terrace, North Road, and Bridge Street areas by approximately 1 am Wednesday. Additional incidents of disorder were reported in Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus, and north Belfast.

The disturbances followed similar events on Monday night in the same Clonavon Terrace area, which occurred after a peaceful daytime protest organized to support the family of a girl who was reportedly the victim of an alleged sexual assault.

Government officials have expressed concern about the events, with the Prime Minister’s spokesman describing them as “very concerning,” particularly noting that police and ethnic minorities were targeted.

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson characterized the disorder as “racist thuggery” and issued a public appeal for information. Henderson stated that the PSNI was working to identify those responsible for what he termed “racially motivated disorder” and would deploy significant resources to prevent further incidents.

On Tuesday evening, riot police established positions around Clonavon Terrace as hundreds of people gathered from approximately 7 pm. Officers equipped with armor and shields formed barricades in response to the developing situation.

Masked individuals among the crowd directed verbal abuse at police while throwing various objects, including fireworks, glass bottles, and metal pieces. The PSNI issued dispersal warnings and announced the potential deployment of water cannons against those engaged in violent activities.

Police deployed plastic baton rounds and water cannons to disperse crowds. Notably, many young children were present near police lines during the confrontations.

As groups dispersed throughout the town during the evening, fires were set at properties on Bridge Street and Queen Street. Property damage included broken windows at various locations, with some residents displaying nationality indicators on their homes, including signs reading “British household” and “Filipino lives here.”

Multiple vehicle fires were set by participants, including incidents near a car wash and tire center off Bridge Street and on Larne Street. At least one participant’s clothing caught fire during the events.

The PSNI coordinated with firefighters by clearing streets and creating gaps in barricades to allow access to fire locations as the disorder continued past midnight. Police utilized drone technology to monitor illegal activities, which included door-kicking and home ransacking by some participants.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn stated there was “no justification” for attacks on police or vandalism, posting on social media that the “terrible scenes of civil disorder” had “no place in Northern Ireland” and condemning attacks on officers and property damage.

Monday’s disorder resulted in injuries to 15 police officers and damage to several PSNI vehicles. In Clonavon Terrace, multiple houses sustained broken windows, with two properties suffering significant smoke damage and remaining sealed on Tuesday.

A 29-year-old man was charged with riotous behavior following Monday night’s arrest. Henderson indicated additional arrests were expected following video footage review.

The initial peaceful protest was organized to support the family of the girl involved in the alleged assault case. Two 14-year-old boys appeared in court Monday on attempted rape charges, with charges read through a Romanian interpreter.

On Tuesday, the PSNI announced a third arrest related to the incident. Detective Inspector Olphert from the public protection branch reported that a 28-year-old man was arrested Monday evening and subsequently released following questioning.

At Tuesday’s press conference, Henderson stated the attacks should be “loudly condemned by all right-thinking people,” adding that attempts to justify the behavior were “misplaced.” He noted that minority ethnic community members “felt fear” and announced significant policing operations would continue to reassure the community.

Henderson indicated that police officers from England and Wales would be brought to Northern Ireland if necessary to assist the PSNI following the Ballymena incidents.

The Prime Minister’s spokesman reiterated that while sexual assault reports were “extremely distressing,” there was no justification for attacks on police officers protecting communities, emphasizing that the PSNI and justice system must be allowed to perform their duties while expressing support for assault victims and injured officers.