Rioting spread through Ballymena and several areas of Northern Ireland over the past two nights, fueled by anti-immigrant sentiment linked to a court case involving alleged sexual assault. The violence has resulted in property damage, injured police officers, and multiple arrests, raising concerns about community tensions.
N. Ireland's Ballymena Faces Ongoing Anti-Immigrant Violence as Riots Escalate
N. Ireland's Ballymena Faces Ongoing Anti-Immigrant Violence as Riots Escalate
Two nights of rioting in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, have led to extensive damage and injuries amidst anti-immigrant protests sparked by a serious crime.
A second night of violent unrest erupted in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, on Tuesday, as anti-immigrant protests escalated into widespread rioting that extended beyond the town to multiple locations, triggering urgent warnings from law enforcement about “hate-fueled acts.” Homes, businesses, and vehicles were targeted again, particularly in the Clonavon Terrace area, as anger erupted following the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl over the weekend.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland reported that officers faced “sustained attack” from protestors wielding petrol bombs, bricks, and fireworks, with 17 officers sustaining injuries during the chaos. To control the situation, police deployed a water cannon and plastic baton rounds in Ballymena, where similar disturbances were also reported in parts of Belfast and Carrickfergus.
Earlier protests took place in various areas, including Belfast, Lisburn, Coleraine, and Newtownabbey, coinciding with a court appearance on Monday by two 14-year-old boys charged in connection with the serious assault. The boys, who denied the allegations, were reportedly assisted by a Romanian interpreter during proceedings.
Signs and flags indicating the nationalities of residents had emerged in Ballymena by Wednesday morning, including one home displaying a “British household” sign beside a shattered window, and another featuring the Philippines flag with the message: “Filipino lives here.”
In response to the violence, Chief Constable Jon Boutcher condemned the events as “mindless” and “deeply concerning,” emphasizing the threat to both community safety and the ongoing justice process for the assault victim. He stated that police are examining video footage to identify those involved in the riots while condemning the acts as expressions of hate and mob mentality.
Following the unrest, authorities made five arrests related to rioting in Ballymena, along with another arrest for disorderly conduct in Newtownabbey. This story is developing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
