A night of unrest unfolded in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, following a court appearance of two 14-year-old boys charged with sexual assault. The police reported sustained attacks on officers, alongside significant damage to homes and businesses, prompting an investigation into the racially charged riots.
Riots Erupt in Ballymena Over Alleged Sexual Assault Case
Riots Erupt in Ballymena Over Alleged Sexual Assault Case
The town of Ballymena in Northern Ireland witnessed violent protests that left 15 police officers injured amid accusations of racial motivations behind the attacks.
The situation in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, escalated dramatically on Monday night as protests turned into riots, resulting in injuries to 15 police officers. The disorder erupted after the court hearing of two 14-year-old boys charged with serious sexual assault on a teenage girl, leading to widespread violence that saw several shops and homes set ablaze.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland described how officers faced prolonged attacks for hours, during which rioters hurled Molotov cocktails, fireworks, and heavy objects. Many assailants wore masks, and their actions included smashing windows and doors of several properties in an incident being treated as racially motivated hate crime. In total, three residents from homes that were torched were evacuated, and some of the injured officers required hospital treatment.
The unrest reportedly ignited after an initially peaceful demonstration, which began around 7:30 p.m., drew a large crowd, moving toward Clonavon Terrace, the site of the alleged assault. However, tensions brewed when a faction of masked individuals broke away to create barricades and gather projectiles, directing their anger at properties in the area.
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson strongly condemned the violence, urging those involved in the riots to reconsider their actions, stressing that such behavior only increases risks for the community. A 29-year-old man was arrested during the ordeal on several charges, including riotous behavior.
Moreover, other incidents were reported, including a Molotov cocktail attack in the nearby village of Cullybackey. Here, a vehicle was set on fire with a serious impact on another property containing a woman and her two children, further emphasizing the racially charged atmosphere surrounding the events.
As investigations continue, the police remain focused on restoring order and ensuring community safety amid the shocking scenes that unfolded on the streets of Ballymena.
