Teen, 19, arrested over ‘hate crime' after slurry spread in Antrim town hours before first Pride parade
A TEENAGER has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage after slurry was sprayed on a road in an Irish town in Co Antrim - hours before the town's first Pride parade.
The
The suspect was arrested on "suspicion of criminal damage" and possession of a blade/point.
He remains in police custody at this time.
The cops reported that the matter is "being treated as a hate
The shocking incident occurred just hours before
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The parade will kick off at 2pm and finish an hour later at Greenvale Street, among the affected areas.
The route takes in Waveney Road, Galgorm Road, Lower Mill Street, Wellington Street, Broughshane Street, William Street and Ballymoney Street.
The PSNI confirmed there will be an increased police presence to ensure everyone's safety during the event and urged everyone to follow the instructions of officers and respect others.
They added: "We want members of our
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SDLP Councillor Seamas de Faoite has condemned the teen's "shameful" actions after the slurry was deliberately spread along the route of the parade.
He said: "Let's be absolutely clear: this was a calculated attempt to intimidate the LGBTQ+ community and spoil what should be a day of joy, visibility and solidarity in Ballymena.
Natasha O'Brien calls for hate crime legislation to be enacted at Dublin's Pride festival
"But they failed. The hundreds of people who will turn out to support Mid & East Antrim Pride showed that love and inclusion will always outshine hate."
'FIGHTING FOR A SOCIETY THAT'S SAFE'
Cllr de Faoite praised parade organisers and volunteers for their leadership and determination to ensure the parade continues, despite efforts to disrupt it.
He added: "Today was a historic first for Ballymena, and the SDLP stands shoulder to shoulder with the LGBTQ+ community here and across the North, and we'll keep fighting for a society that's safe, equal and proud."
Posting on social media,
"Solidarity to all at Ballymena Pride. It's a frightening time but love will always triumph over hate."
Eoin Tennyson MLA said: "Sending my support and solidarity to everyone attending Ballymena Pride today, after bigots spread slurry on the parade route.
"At a time when hard-won rights are under attack, vigilance and visibility matter more than ever. Love will always trump hate."
INFO PLEA
The cops have urged people with information to come forward to assist their ongoing probe into the hate crime.
The spokesperson said: "
Anyone with information can contact police on
101, quoting reference number 191 of 28/06/25.
"
Alternatively, they can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form on their official website.
They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
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PSNI has arrested a 19-year-old man for his 'shameful' actions hours before the Pride parade
Credit: Niall Carson/PA Wire
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The Journal
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