Four houses destroyed and 15 officers injured after Romanian teens appear in court over attempted rape of local girl – as rioters yell vile abuse at emergency services
A masked mob torched homes and hospitalised 15 police officers during a night of anti-immigration violence that erupted after two Romanian teenagers appeared in court accused of attempting to rape a local girl.
Four houses were damaged by fire, with police saying that the attacks on these properties are being investigated as racially-motivated hate attacks during the shocking disorder in Ballymena, Co Antrim.
Some 2,500 people had gathered in the Harryville area on Monday evening in what began as a show of support for the victim’s family, but the demonstration quickly descended into chaos as masked rioters began targeting homes.
Horrifying footage showed masked youths yelling ‘paedo protectors’ at emergency services as they battled blazes started by the mob, while windows and doors of terraced properties were smashed in.
ROMANIAN TEENS IN DOCK
The violence erupted hours after two 14-year-old boys appeared at Coleraine Magistrates’ Court via videolink, where they confirmed their names and ages through a Romanian interpreter.
The teenagers, who cannot be identified because of their ages, were charged with the attempted rape of a teenage girl in the Clonavon Terrace area of Ballymena between 7.30pm and 10.30pm on Saturday.
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.
Their lawyer indicated they would plead not guilty to the charges, with both boys remanded in custody to a juvenile justice centre until their next court appearance on July 2.
PEACEFUL PROTEST TURNS VIOLENT
What began as a planned vigil at around 7.30pm quickly spiralled out of control as crowds marched from Galgorm Road through Larne Street, onto Wakehurst Road and down Queen Street.
Some peaceful protesters carried placards saying they were there to ‘protect’ their own children as they demonstrated in support of the alleged victim’s family.
But A number of masked individuals then broke away from the vigil and began to build barricades, stockpiling missiles and attacking properties in the Clonavon Terrace.
Social media footage showed homes in Co Antrim on fire after a masked mob lit curtains after windows and doors of terraced properties in the town were caved in.
‘PAEDO PROTECTORS’ CHANTS
In sickening scenes, some masked youths yelled ‘paedo-protectors’ as the emergency services arrived to battle blazes they had started during the riot.
Videos shared online showed masked youths individuals throwing missiles, including cans of paint and glass bottles, at PSNI vehicles as officers came under sustained attack.
Elements of the crowd then turned onto police and attacked officers with petrol bombs and masonry with police officers coming under “sustained attack” over a number of hours.
Houses were attacked and a boat was even overturned in the street as the violence spread through the town centre.
15 OFFICERS HOSPITALISED
Police confirmed that 15 officers were injured after they came under attack from masked rioters who threw petrol bombs, fireworks, heavy masonry and bricks.
Two police vehicles were damaged during what authorities described as “sustained” disorder that continued in the vicinity of Galgorm Street, Linenhall Street and Larne Road Link.
One plastic baton round was fired during the violence, with one person struck as police struggled to contain the mob.
The PSNI confirmed that four houses were damaged by fire, with three people evacuated from their homes during the terrifying ordeal.
RACIALLY-MOTIVATED ATTACKS
“Last night saw significant sustained disorder in Ballymena. This violence was clearly racially motivated and targeted at our minority ethnic community and police,” Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said.
The senior officer condemned the attacks “in the strongest possible terms,” adding: “It has no place in our society and should be loudly condemned by all right-thinking people.
Police are actively working to identify those responsible and promised there would be a significant policing presence in place over the coming days “to help protect these communities in Ballymena and prevent any future disorder.
The attacks on homes are being investigated as racially-motivated hate crimes, with police engaging with affected communities to provide support and reassurance.
IMMIGRATION TENSIONS
Local TUV MP Jim Allister revealed that tensions over immigration had been building in Ballymena “for a considerable period of time.
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 said.
The MP added: “That unchecked migration which is beyond what the town can cope with is a source of past and future tensions; that is the reality of it.”
He claimed there had been “a bit of authorities not wanting to face up to the racial background of some of this over the years.
ARREST MADE
A 29-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of riotous and disorderly behaviour, attempted criminal damage and resisting police. He remains in police custody today.
Police are also investigating a report of arson in the nearby village of Cullybackey as part of their wider investigation into Monday night’s violence.
I would strongly urge anyone who was involved in yesterday’s violent disorder to reflect long and hard about their actions, they will have consequences,” ACC Henderson warned.
WOMAN’S SHOCKING REACTION
In footage that highlighted the ugly mood, one woman was heard making shocking comments when told that people were inside the homes being attacked.
If they’re not local, let them stay there,” the woman said as masked men smashed windows and attempted to set curtains alight.
The disturbing comment was captured as Footage of Monday night’s attacks in Ballymena show groups of masked men smashing windows of homes and attempting to set curtains alight.
MINISTER’S CONDEMNATION
Justice Minister Naomi Long condemned the shocking violence in the strongest terms.
I am absolutely appalled by the disturbing scenes in Ballymena yesterday evening during which PSNI officers were injured, residents terrorised, and properties damaged,” she said.
“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.”
She added: “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.”
FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE BLAZES
Firefighters later responded to the burning debris on the road and inspected a nearby house which had filled with smoke as emergency services worked through the night.
The footage showed protesters burning plastic road barriers and bins as part of a barricade on the street as chaos engulfed the usually quiet market town.
Chief Superintendent Sue Steen pleaded: “We are urging everyone to remain calm and to act responsibly. Violence and disorder will only place people at greater risk.”
COMMUNITY DIVIDED
While some residents condemned the violent turn, others on social media expressed frustration that authorities were “ignoring the racial background” of recent incidents in the area.
Mr Allister said he had spoken to the family of the alleged victim, who did not want to see violent scenes on the streets.
“Sadly the narrative has been diverted, and it has been diverted by those who wrongly and foolishly involved in violence and made the story something that what it otherwise should be,” he said.
As dawn broke on Tuesday, the town was left counting the cost of a night of violence that has exposed deep divisions within the community.
