Second Night of Riots in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, Marked by Violence and Arson
Hundreds of masked rioters launched attacks on police and set homes and vehicles ablaze in Ballymena for the second consecutive night of unrest, which police have described as “racially motivated.” The disorder followed a protest related to an alleged sexual assault in the town.
Police confirmed on Wednesday that five people were arrested on suspicion of riotous behavior. Seventeen officers were injured during the violence, some requiring hospital treatment. The town of Ballymena is located approximately 45 kilometers (30 miles) north of Belfast.
According to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the rioters targeted officers in the Clonavon Terrace area with petrol bombs, bricks, fireworks, and heavy masonry over several hours. Riot police responded with plastic baton rounds, water cannons, and dog units to contain the disturbances.
At least one house was completely burned down, with attempts made to set another residence on fire. Multiple cars were also torched during the chaos.
Local media reported that some residents have begun marking their doors to indicate their nationality in an effort to avoid attacks. Calls for protests in other Northern Irish towns and cities have reportedly been circulating, raising concerns over further unrest.
The violence initially erupted on Monday night after a peaceful vigil held for a sexual assault victim in Ballymena turned violent. Police say masked individuals broke away from the vigil, constructing barricades and attacking homes and businesses. Four houses were damaged by fire, and numerous windows and doors were smashed during the first night of riots, which police are treating as racially motivated hate crimes.
Northern Ireland’s powersharing Executive ministers—including representatives from Sinn Fein, the Democratic Unionist Party, the Alliance Party, and the Ulster Unionist Party—issued a joint statement condemning the riots, emphasizing that those involved contribute only to “division and disorder.”
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn denounced the violence on social media, stating:
“There is absolutely no justification for attacks on PSNI officers or for vandalism directed at people’s homes or property.”
Tensions remain high in Ballymena, which has a sizeable migrant population. Police are investigating numerous hate attacks targeting homes and businesses. Several officers have sustained injuries, with some needing hospital care.
Source: Al Jazeera
