Rioters torch homes and smash windows in ‘racially-motivated hate attacks’ after protest over teen girl’s alleged sex assault spirals out of control
Fifteen police officers were injured when masked rioters launched a “sustained attack” with petrol bombs, fireworks and heavy masonry during shocking violence that erupted on the streets of a Northern Ireland town.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed that officers came under fire from missiles including bricks and bottles as disorder broke out in Ballymena, Co Antrim, following what began as a peaceful protest over an alleged sexual assault on a teenage girl.
The PSNI has strongly condemned disorder on the streets of Ballymena last night, during which 15 officers were injured, and one man was arrested.
In terrifying scenes captured on social media, masked thugs were seen building burning barricades from bins and plastic road barriers while targeting homes in what police are investigating as “racially-motivated hate attacks.
HOMES SET ABLAZE
A number of homes and businesses were damaged with windows and doors smashed, while four houses were also damaged by fire, with three people evacuated.
The violence erupted after an estimated 2,500 people gathered in the Harryville area on Monday evening in response to a court case involving two 14-year-old boys charged with the attempted rape of a teenage girl.
BBC News reported that hundreds of protesters had gathered in Ballymena in response to a case involving two teenage boys who appeared before Coleraine Magistrates’ Court earlier in the day, accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl in the County Antrim town.
Irish media outlet RTE News reported that the teenagers, who it said are Romanian and spoke through an interpreter, cannot be identified because of their ages.
MASKED MOB ATTACKS
What began as a show of support for the victim’s family quickly descended into chaos as darkness fell. Police said some masked individuals peeled away from the vigil and began to build barricades and attack properties.
Heart-stopping footage showed armoured police officers with riot shields advancing on protesters as fires burned in the street. Some masked individuals also threw missiles including cans of paint and glass bottles at PSNI vehicles.
Elements of the crowd then turned on police firing petrol bombs and masonry. The disorder was so severe that police were forced to fire a plastic baton round, with one person struck.
Two police vehicles were damaged during the disorder in Ballymena, in Co Armagh, while homes and businesses had doors and windows smashed, according to police.
‘SUSTAINED ATTACK’
Chief Superintendent Sue Steen pleaded for calm as the violence spiralled out of control: “We are urging everyone to remain calm and to act responsibly. Violence and disorder will only place people at greater risk. Our priority is to keep the community safe, and I would appeal to everyone to work with us to bring calm to the area as quickly as possible.”
The PSNI confirmed that Those attacks are being investigated as “racially motivated hate crimes”.
Fire crews wearing breathing apparatus were forced to break into smoke-filled homes as rioters set blazes across the town centre, with Firefighters later responded to the burning debris on the road and inspected a nearby house which had filled with smoke.
TENSIONS BOILING OVER
Local MP Jim Allister revealed that immigration tensions had been simmering in the town for months. TUV leader Mr Allister said: “Within Ballymena there has been rising concerns about the sheer scale of migration into the town and that would have been a factor in the wholly peaceful protest.
He added: “It is very distressing to see scenes of violence on the streets of Ballymena.”
Justice Minister Naomi Long condemned the shocking scenes: “I am absolutely appalled by the disturbing scenes in Ballymena yesterday evening during which PSNI officers were injured, residents terrorised, and properties damaged.
ARRESTS MADE
A 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour. Police also revealed they are investigating a report of arson in the nearby village of Cullybackey.
The Minister added: “There is absolutely no place in our society for such disorder and there can be no justification for it. I would appeal to those involved to seriously consider their actions and step back from this behaviour before someone is seriously injured or worse.”
COURT APPEARANCE SPARKED FURY
The violence followed the appearance of two 14-year-old boys at Coleraine Magistrates’ Court earlier on Monday. A separate police statement from Sunday said two teenage boys had been charged with attempted rape in connection with a serious sexual assault on a teenage girl in Ballymena on Saturday evening.
The case required a Romanian interpreter in court, according to reports, which appeared to inflame tensions in a community already on edge over immigration issues.
AFTERMATH
As dawn broke on Tuesday, the scale of the destruction became clear. Windows were smashed, roads scorched, and debris littered the streets of the normally quiet market town.
“Attacking homes and police officers serves no purpose other than to damage communities and raise tensions. Those involved will be pursued and held accountable for their actions,” Minister Long warned.
The PSNI confirmed they would maintain an increased presence in the area as they work to restore calm and investigate the racially-motivated attacks that terrorised residents throughout the night.
Anyone with information has been urged to contact police on 101 or make a report online via the PSNI website.
