Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemns ‘mindless attacks' in Ballymena after second night of violence

Belfast Telegraph

a day ago

PM condemns 'mindless attacks'
Sir Keir Starmer has addressed the violence at Prime Minister's Questions.
"I utterly condemn the violence that we've seen overnight in Ballymena and in other parts of Northern Ireland, including against PSNI officers.
"It is absolutely vital that the PSNI are given the time they need to investigate the incidents concerned rather than face mindless attacks as they seek to bring peace and order to keep people safe.
"The Northern Ireland Secretary is in touch with the PSNI and the Executive and I am being kept updated in relation to that."
First Minister calls for an end to all 'racist and sectarian attacks' in Northern Ireland
Michelle O'Neill has said that "racist and sectarian attacks" on families in Northern Ireland and recent violence in Ballymena are "abhorrent and must stop immediately."
"Those responsible for this violence bring nothing to our communities but hatred, fear and division," Ms O'Neill said in a statement.
"No one, now or ever, should feel the need to place a sticker on their door to identify their ethnicity just to avoid being targeted."
Last night some Filipino workers in the Ballymena area began putting stickers on their doors that declared their nationality, in an apparent bid to avoid attack.
Some people also displayed Union flags, or hung them in windows.
"We are a kind-hearted, caring, and compassionate people," Ms O'Neill added.
"We stand united and strong, facing down those who seek to divide us through violence and intimidation."
Ms O'Neill said that she had been in contact with the PSNI Chief Constable and "urged him to ensure those responsible for orchestrating and perpetuating these crimes are held fully to account."
She added: "As First Minister, as a mother, as a grandmother, I will do everything in my power to protect and support everyone in our community, so that no one should ever have to live in fear in their own home."
4 minutes ago
Local Reverends condemns recent violence
The Methodist Church in Ireland have strongly condemned recent violence, saying that it "has no place in the community".
Rev Dr David Clements of Cullybackey and Rev Ruth Patterson of Ballymena said: "Racism, attacking the PSNI, and the burning of houses and cars can have no place in our community."
"We ask our people to show care and love for all of our neighbours and to pray for an immediate end to this violence. We have already expressed our support to local politicians and the Chief Constable as they deal with this difficult and dangerous situation."
On Monday night the home of a family originally from the Phillipines was targeted in a Cullybackey arson attack.
39 minutes ago
Police Federation: PSNI under "intense pressure" and operating at a "downright dangerous" level
The chair of the NI Police Federation has said the police force is "operating at a level that is downright dangerous".
It comes after 33 officers were injured over the course of two days of unrest.
PFNI Chair Liam Kelly said if violence continues he expects to see more officers injured and taken off the frontlines.
Mr Kelly added that understaffing in the PSNI during the past two nights of unrest have made it 'more likely' that officers from other police force will be drafted in to support the PSNI.
'Officer welfare must be the priority. They cannot continue to be exposed to unnecessary risk or extended frontline duties where they are unable to recover, recharge and get some badly needed rest," he said.
He said that call for Mutual Aid officers to be drafted from England and Scotland has 'moved a step closer'.
'Mutual Aid is there as a measure of last resort when it becomes clear that the PSNI, which is currently more than 2,200 officers below what's required, needs to bolster numbers on the ground," he added.
49 minutes ago
TUV MLA brands policing operations in Ballymena as 'shambolic'
TUV MLA Timothy Gaston has described the PSNI's operation during Monday night's violence in Ballymena as 'shambolic', saying that the policing operation "created some of the tension" throughout the night.
Speaking on the BBC'S Nolan show, Gaston, the MLA for North Antrim, said that police have "some questions to answer".
He also condemned the incidents over the past two nights, saying: "This serves nobody, it serves no purpose, and it has quickly moved from ordinary people raising genuine, legitimate concerns and having a show [of support] within our community to that being completely obscured."
Today 10:37 AM
Romanian couple's front door damaged in middle of night in Belfast
Didii Georgian Daniel, 30, and Teclas Emanuela, 22, had the front door to their rented home damaged as they were in bed at around 1am last night.
The Romanian couple have lived on Woodvale Avenue in the Shankill area of Belfast for two months after moving from the The Village on Donegall Road.
The Belfast Telegraph spoke to the couple, who both work in a car wash in Lisburn, as their landlord replaced their front door this morning.
Mr Daniel, who has lived in Northern Ireland for 12 years, said: 'We were in bed when we heard the noises. I went downstairs and saw them running away. Of course we were scared.'
Asked how he feels about the future, he said: 'I don't know if it's getting better or worse. But [my girlfriend] is scared because she's a woman.'
Mr Daniel said the incident had been reported to police.
Today 10:25 AM
Presbyterian Church Moderator says right to peaceful protest 'must be recognised' but called for an end to 'all illegal behaviour'
Speaking from the Moderator's Chair, as he opened the second day of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland's General Assembly, Reverend Dr Richard Murray, condemned the recent riots.
He called on 'those who engage in such mindless acts to stop all illegal behaviour.'
Dr Murray said: 'Over the last two days, the first people who came out onto the streets of Ballymena were reacting peacefully in response to the alleged sexual assault on a young girl.
"The right to peaceful protest must be recognised in a democratic society.
'However, what followed the original protest, was hijacked by elements intent on what the PSNI have described as 'racist, thuggery, and violence'.
"This has now spread to other areas. This must be condemned and we call those who engage in such mindless acts to stop all illegal behaviour.'
'No justification for this mayhem': UUP leader Mike Nesbitt
Mike Nesbitt has condemned the violence which broke out over the past two nights and called for 'an immediate end' to the unrest.
'There is no justification for this mayhem, and my thoughts are with those who have lost their homes and the greater number who are feeling intimidated and unwelcome," said Mr Nesbitt.
'I also stand in solidarity with the blue lights, not just the PSNI but also the Fire and Rescue Service, who have had to deal with a number of house fires.
'I understand there are community concerns regarding an alleged serious sexual assault. There are legitimate ways to express those concerns. Street violence is not one of them.'
Stormont Ministers say those involved in violence have nothing to offer society but 'division and disorder'
In a joint statement, Executive ministers said those involved in the disorder in Ballymena have nothing to offer society but 'division and disorder'.
Ministers said they "strongly condemn the racially motivated violence" and made an appeal for "calm across society".
Their statement added: "The alleged serious sexual assault reported on 7 June in Ballymena was appalling and our collective thoughts are with the victim and their loved ones at this deeply traumatic time.
'It is paramount that the justice process is now allowed to take its course so that this heinous crime can be robustly investigated.
"Those weaponising the situation in order to sow racial tensions do not care about seeing justice and have nothing to offer their communities but division and disorder.
'While all of our citizens have the right to engage in peaceful protest, there can never be any justification for the violence that has taken place in recent days, during which residents have been terrorised and numerous PSNI officers injured.'
Ministers also urged communities to "reject" the agenda being pursued by rioters.
'As an Executive, we work collectively every day to create a safe, prosperous and welcoming Northern Ireland for all," the statement added.
"We are urging everyone in our communities to play their part in that effort and reject the divisive agenda being pursued by a minority of destructive, bad faith actors.'
Today 09:01 AM
Assistant Chief Constable says PSNI are prepared for further violence
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson says the force has asked for support from the National Police Operations Centre in an effort to fight violence in Northern Ireland.
Speaking on the BBC's Nolan Show, he said: 'We've started that discussion with them [the National Police Operations Centre] to get that process rolling.'
He condemned those taking part in violence over the past two nights as a 'hate-filled mob' and 'absolutely unacceptable'.
'Over the course of these two days we've seen disgraceful, shocking scenes of homes and businesses and property being attacked in Ballymena by what I can only describe as a hate-filled mob," said Assistant Chief Constable Henderson.
He also said that social media can prolong violent incidents and that the PSNI are prepared for further incidents this week.
'We are absolutely prepared that we may see more of this in the coming days.
'Given that we have seen it now for two nights and the severity has maintained over both nights, we are certainly preparing that we may face similar tonight.
'There will be significant police presence on our streets, prepared for any eventuality.'
Today 08:41 AM
In pictures: A second night of disorder
This was the scene in Ballymena last night. Photos by Kevin Scott/Belfast Telegraph.
Today 08:19 AM
'Someone is going to get killed'
Unionist politicians have appealed for the violence to stop, with North Antrim MLA Paul Frew saying: "I fear that if this continues, someone is going to get killed."
DUP leader Gavin Robinson, speaking on BBC's Nolan Show, told those rioting to 'back off' and 'leave the people of Ballymena alone'.
He called for the violence to stop and referred to the peaceful vigil that preceded violence in the area on Monday night.
'They need to stop. They are destroying their own community, they are intimidating to the point of the end of their neighbours, they are not creating the space to have the arguments around the issues that have bothered them.
'They have lost the entire moral high ground that was attained by the good people of Ballymena on Monday night at their peaceful, respectful and appropriate vigil.'
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said she was 'dismayed" by the unfolding events.
'Violence is always wrong. I have been in constant contact throughout last night with PSNI and in contact with local elected representatives,' she said.
"This disorder and violence must stop and justice be allowed to prevail.'
Today 08:03 AM
Homes attacked in north Belfast
Sinn Féin MP John Finucane has condemned attacks on homes in north Belfast last night.
'I am horrified to learn that a number of homes were attacked near the Ballysillan area of north Belfast in suspected racist attacks. My thoughts are with the families affected by this abhorrent act.
'This kind of behaviour is deplorable and must be unequivocally condemned and called out by all political and community representatives.
'I will be contacting the families affected to ensure they receive the support they need, and to reassure them that the vast majority of people in our city warmly embrace the many positives that diversity brings."
A car was also set alight in the area.
Today 08:02 AM
Alliance MLA condemns 'unacceptable' violence
Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland has condemned last night's violence.
Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster Programme, she described the incident as 'unacceptable'.
"It's deeply shocking and very disappointing and I have to say it's entirely unacceptable. This violence doesn't speak for Ballymena.
'It distracts from the really serious issue at the heart of this which is violence against women and girls, and that's what we should be talking about, we should be talking about how to make our society safer for women, not how to manage the fallout of violence and intimidation.
"It was just really disturbing, and deeply, deeply worrying.' Sian Mulholland
Today 08:00 AM
Six arrests made and 17 officers injured
The PSNI has issued an update this morning confirming that six arrests have been made while 17 officers were injured following another night of violence.
Five people were arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour and remain in police custody this morning.
A male was also arrested on suspicion of disorderly behaviour on the O'Neill Road in Newtownabbey.
None of those 17 officers were hospitalised as a result of their injuries, although it brings the total number of injured officers across two nights of violence to 33.
Liam Kelly, chair of the Police Federation, said: "I want to condemn again what has happened the last couple of nights not only in Ballymena but, as we've seen, extended into other areas as well.
"It's completely deplorable that this is happening. We need these attacks to stop, and stop very quickly.'
Chief Constable John Boutcher said the 'mindless violence' of the last two nights 'is deeply concerning and utterly unacceptable.'
He added: 'Ironically, and frustratingly, this violence threatens to derail the very pursuit of justice it claims to challenge.
'Let me be clear: this behaviour must stop. I appeal to everyone involved to cease all further acts of criminality and disorder immediately.'
Today 07:58 AM
What happened on Tuesday night?
Calm was restored to the Ballymena area after 1am. Disorder broke out shortly before 8pm and continued for several hours with masonry and petrol bombs thrown at police officers and police vehicles.
A number of homes and businesses were also attacked.
During the disorder, a water cannon was deployed in an attempt to disperse the crowds, with officers also discharging a number of baton rounds.
Around 300 protestors had gathered in the area, close to where an alleged serious sexual assault on a teenage girl took place.
Police also dealt with sporadic disorder in Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus while a car was set alight in north Belfast.