A second night of violence unfolded in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, on Tuesday, marked by intensifying anti-immigrant protests and destructive riots that have spilled into other regions. The turmoil erupted after a demonstration related to the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl, leading to attacks on homes, businesses, and vehicles primarily in the Clonavon Terrace area.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland reported that officers faced “sustained attacks” involving petrol bombs, bricks, and fireworks, resulting in injuries to 17 officers. In response, law enforcement deployed water cannons and plastic baton rounds to regain control over the crowds, as disturbances spread to parts of Belfast and the town of Carrickfergus.
Earlier in the evening, protests had erupted in various locations, including Belfast, Lisburn, Coleraine, and Newtownabbey, following the court appearance of two 14-year-old boys charged with the serious sexual assault of a teenage girl on Saturday. Both have denied the charges, and their names and ages were confirmed through a Romanian interpreter.
In the aftermath of the chaos, signs emerged in Ballymena indicating the nationality of residents, with some homes displaying messages such as “British household” and “Filipino lives here.”
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher condemned the “mindless violence” of the past two nights, asserting that such acts risk not only lives but also the integrity of the criminal justice process regarding the victim in this case. Police are currently analyzing video evidence to identify those involved in the riots.
On Tuesday night, five individuals were arrested in connection with the rioting in Ballymena, while another suspect faced charges related to disorder in Newtownabbey. Ongoing coverage of this developing situation is expected as the community deals with the aftermath of the unrest.
