‘Disturbing scenes' as houses destroyed in Ballymena riots hours after two boys charged over attempted rape of teen girl
HOMES were destroyed and missiles were thrown at cops by masked thugs last night in "disturbing scenes" as rioting broke out in Ballymena, Co Antrim.
The unrest broke out after an estimated 2,500 people gathered after a teenage girl was allegedly the victim of a serious sexual assault at the weekend.
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A number of missiles were thrown towards police during the incident
Credit: Pacemaker
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Amidst the carnage, a boat could be seen overturned in the street
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Firefighters attended the scene after two properties were set alight
Credit: Pacemaker
The crowd had initially gathered to support the family of the girl but
A line of police vehicles advanced towards the protesters followed by officers on foot.
Those involved in the violent incident burned plastic road barriers and bins that were making up a part of the barricade on the street and clips show masked yobs tossing missiles at
Firefighters later responded to the burning debris on the road and inspected a nearby house which had filled with smoke.
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Justice Minister Naomi Long said there can be 'no justification' for such 'appalling' scenes.
She said: "I am absolutely appalled by the disturbing scenes in Ballymena yesterday evening during which PSNI officers were injured, residents terrorised, and properties damaged.
'There is absolutely no place in our society for such disorder and there can be no justification for it."
Long said attacking homes and police officers "serves no purpose other than to damage communities and raise tension", adding that those involved in the violence will be "held accountable".
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The carnage erupted hours after two 14-year-old boys appeared at Coleraine Magistrates'
The boys, who legally cannot be named due to their age, spoke to confirm their names and ages.
Their solicitor said they would be denying the charges.
Tyler Hoey, Deputy mayor of Mid and East
'NARRATIVE HAS BEEN DIVERTED'
Speaking on
BBC's The Nolan Show, he added that the violence that followed "has to be condemned" and called for peace on the streets.
North Antrim MP Mr Allister said he had spoken to the family of the girl who was the victim of the alleged sexual assault and they did not want to see violent scenes.
He said: '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.
"My message is the violence should stop. The concerns are there, I am certainly aware of them, I hear them and there needs now to be a period of calm and justice needs to take its course."
'URGING EVERYONE TO REMAIN CALM'
Several properties in the Clonavon Terrace area suffered severe damage last night, including broken windows, and a boat could be seen overturned in the street.
It is understood that at least two houses were set alight during the incident, with flames from these homes spreading to nearby properties.
Police dogs were deployed to the area and PSNI riot officers attended the scene in an attempt to "bring calm".
Chief Superintendent Sue Steen appealed for locals to remain calm and refrain from engaging in violence.
She said: "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."
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People wearing masks threw masonry and other missiles at police, while houses were set on fire
Credit: Pacemaker
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Police remained in the area overnight to monitor the situation
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PSNI riot officers were among those deployed to the scene
Credit: Pacemaker
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The Journal
20 minutes ago
- The Journal
Leisure centre in Larne set alight by rioters as violence extends beyond Ballymena
LAST UPDATE | 20 mins ago A LEISURE CENTRE in Larne in Northern Ireland has been set on fire by rioters as violence seen in Ballymena over the last two nights spreads to other areas. Footage shared online shows masked individuals smashing windows and setting fires outside Larne Leisure Centre. The fire has since been brought under control, according to the local fire service. Alliance MLA Danny Donnelly said: 'Larne does not need this.' Police have been deployed for a third night in a row in Ballymena. The Belfast Telegraph has reported that police are also at the scene of disorder in Coleraine , where footage online has shown bins set alight near a train track. Larne leisure centre has been attacked by masked thugs. Windows smashed and fires lit nearby. Larne does not need this. — Danny Donnelly MLA (@DannyDonnelly1) June 11, 2025 Ulster Unionist Party MLA John Stewart described the events in Larne as 'despicable and disgraceful' 'The violence, vandalism, and intimidation seen this evening have absolutely no place in our society,' Stewart said. Advertisement He said the leisure centre is a 'vital community asset at the very heart of Larne' and that 'to see it targeted in such a senseless and deliberate manner is both truly shocking and deeply saddening'. Riot police have been deployed to different parts of Antrim, including in Larne (pictured) this evening. Alamy Alamy The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has deployed riot police in Ballymena for the third consecutive night as a significant crowd gathered around the Clonavon Terrace area. Demonstrators who gathered on Bridge Street near the residential area were told to disperse shortly before 9pm after a firework was thrown at officers. Petrol bombs and fireworks, as well as other projectiles, have been thrown at police this evening. Earlier today, the PSNI requested assistance from police forces in Britain following the violence in Ballymena over the last two nights. The PSNI said 17 officers were injured, and six people were arrested last night, after violent disorder erupted for a second night in a row. Multiple cars and properties were set on fire while rioters hurled petrol bombs, fireworks and masonry at police officers. Riot police block a road close to Clonavon Terrace in Ballymena this evening Jonathan McCambridge / PA Jonathan McCambridge / PA / PA Alongside the injuring of police officers, much of the violence has been targeted at homes that rioters believe to belong to people from eastern European countries. Related Reads PSNI seeks reinforcements from Britain as Starmer condemns 'mindless' Ballymena violence I went to talk to people in Ballymena, and was told to make myself 'scarce' or there'd be trouble On Monday, two teenage boys appeared in court charged with the sexual assault of a young teenage girl. The two teenagers spoke through a Romanian translator. The Journal has documented some of the damage done by rioters in Ballymena, including to the home of a Bulgarian man who was targeted, a neighbouring home where the window of a child's bedroom was smashed in, and a home belonging to Filipinos who had to leave because of the extensive damage. On Clonavon Terrace, where four homes were burnt on Monday night, a Romanian teenager told The Journal that the rioters claim to be fighting for the victim of the alleged sexual assault but they're 'just destroying their own town'. 'Where is the justice for this poor girl? This isn't justice for her, this is just racism destroying where we live,' the teenager said. A pram and wheelchair outside the smashed window of a child's bedroom in Ballymena Diarmuid Pepper / The Journal Diarmuid Pepper / The Journal / The Journal Additional reporting by Press Association Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Independent
2 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Ballymena riots: Fire started and windows smashed at Larne Leisure Centre
Social media posts have suggested that those moved out of Ballymena homes were being housed there earlier today. It is understood there is currently nobody inside the Leisure Centre. It comes as protestors have gathered in towns across Northern Ireland with some being peaceful, while others have turned violent. The initial rioting ignited in Ballymena with the PSNI saying it is 'not clear' if paramilitaries are coordinating violence in the Co Antrim town. Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson, speaking during a press conference today, said: "At this point it's not clear to us or through intelligence or what we're hearing if there's paramilitary coordination to it." Meanwhile, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn is planning to visit Ballymena, it has been announced. The UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also condemned 'mindless attacks' during the outbreak of violence in Ballymena and other parts of Northern Ireland. Seven people have been arrested and 33 PSNI officers were injured over two nights of what the PSNI Chief Constable has described as 'mindless violence'. Follow our live blog for the latest updates: 13 minutes ago Heavy police presence in Ballymena amid third night of protesting 16 minutes ago 'Larne does not need this', says East Antrim MLA Alliance MLA Danny Donnelly has condemned the attack of a leisure centre in his constituency. "Larne leisure centre has been attacked by masked thugs," the East Antrim MLA said. "Windows smashed and fires lit nearby. Larne does not need this." 20 minutes ago Communities Minister condemns attack on Larne Leisure Centre Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has condemned the attack of a leisure centre in Larne. The East Antrim MLA said: 'The violence and disorder witnessed on our streets over recent nights serves no purpose. Wanton destruction such as the attack on Larne Leisure Centre is an attack on all residents who use the facility. There is absolutely no excuse for what has taken place in Larne, and it must be condemned.' 24 minutes ago Police Land Rovers arrive at Larne Leisure Centre Five police Land Rovers have arrived at the scene of the ongoing incident in Larne. Fire crews have been tasked to tackle the blaze that is understood to be currently contained to foyer of the leisure centre. 52 minutes ago Damage caused to a leisure centre in Larne amid protests Social media posts have suggested that those moved out of Ballymena homes were being housed there earlier today. 59 minutes ago Police are at the scene as a small crowd has gathered in Ballymena Kevin Scott on Twitter / X A ring of police around the Harryville Bridge and Clonavon areas of crowds around but all spectators; all peaceful. @BelTel Kevin Scott (@Kscott_94) June 11, 2025 Today 02:03 PM A vandalised house in Ballymena is now displaying a 'British Household' sign in the window Today 01:39 PM MLA urges for political leadership amid reports of anti-immigration protest in Portadown Sinn Fein MLA John O'Dowd has called for all political representatives to show leadership and urge a boycott of an anti-immigration protest planned in Portadown this evening. A Sinn Fein spokesman said there are reports of a demonstration being organised with one flyer suggesting the protest will target several homes and a hostel in the area. 'Reports of a racist protest being organised in Portadown by faceless elements are deeply disturbing and disgraceful,' the Upper Bann MLA said. "I am calling on all politicians, particularly those with influence in the greater Portadown area, to distance themselves from this protest and to publicly encourage a boycott. 'Anything less would be a total abdication of leadership at a time when it is needed most. 'We have already seen the misery that racist thugs have inflicted on the people of Ballymena and elsewhere — those scenes must not be repeated in Portadown.' Today 01:08 PM Officers in north Belfast are investigating a number of reports of criminal damage and arson from yesterday evening Chief Inspector Mullan said: 'A number of homes and vehicles throughout the north of the city – in Buttermilk Loney, Silverstream Road, Woodvale Avenue and Oakley Street - were damaged with windows smashed. Also in Oakley Street, three properties sustained damage after a car was set alight. Shortly afterwards, in Silverstream Gardens, two vehicles were deliberately set alight, while a motorbike was destroyed in an arson attack in Florence Court. In Legann Street, another car was set alight and two houses had windows smashed. 'At this time, all incidents are being treated as racially-motivated hate crimes. We absolutely condemn these disgraceful attacks on our minority ethnic friends and neighbours. Those responsible are endangering not only the lives of those inside the properties, but putting themselves at risk of injury. 'Our investigations are ongoing and local officers are working to identify all those involved in this incident. Make no mistake, we are treating these incidents exceptionally seriously. We will pursue those responsible and ensure they face justice through our courts. We will continue to engage closely with partner agencies and local advocacy groups as enquiries continue." Today 12:51 PM Filipino man's plea to rioters after car burned out in Ballymena violence 'We are not here to destroy your community': Filipino man's plea to rioters after car burned out in Ballymena violence A Filipino man who had his car burned out and home attacked during violence in Ballymena has pleaded with rioters to stop, telling them 'we are not here to destroy your community'. Today 12:35 PM Comment from Allison Morris on Ballymena violence There's no dressing up Ballymena violence, there is no, 'it is wrong but'… it is just racism In Exodus, God instructed the Israelites to mark their doorways with the blood of a sacrificed lamb so he would "pass over" their houses, sparing their firstborn sons, while striking down the firstborn of the Egyptians. Today 12:07 PM PSNI warn 'is rioting worth your future being put under threat?' ACC Ryan Henderson: "Let me say in the clearest possible terms, the senseless violence is utterly unacceptable, and as I see it serves, only to endanger and destroy our local area, our local communities. "And I want to appeal directly to those involved or considering becoming involved in the disorder to stop and think. Ask yourselves, is the hatred something you want to be associated with? Is this worth being prosecuted for? Is it worth your future being put under threat? Or indeed the future of your children? "Most importantly, please ask yourself, how are [these criminal acts] helping the ongoing criminal investigation in support of a young victim who deserves justice? This violence only serves to undermine the criminal investigation and cause further distress and turmoil to a young victim and her family. " Today 12:03 PM 80 additional officers requested from Great Britain to help ACC Ryan Henderson said: "A significant policing operation, will be in place in Ballymena and beyond over the coming days. We're taking steps to increase available resources and are surging a significant number of extra officers, vehicles, and equipment to those areas with the rioting is taking place. This will have an impact on our communities." Today 11:59 AM PSNI preparing for possibility of more violence tonight ACC Ryan Henderson said: "My nearly 30 years in policing makes me absolutely alert to the fact we could see more tonight and that's why we're preparing and planning for that. "But I don't want the communities of Northern Ireland to feel unsafe, nor do I want them to feel that I am saying that we will definitely see this tonight." Today 11:57 AM Police 'not clear' on whether paramilitary coordination to rioting ACC Ryan Henderson said: "You will see the power of social media connecting different parts of Northern Ireland in terms of the desire to protest, but also the desire to be violent and how that has been done. And we have seen that in a number of sites over the past couple of days. "At this point it's not clear to us or through intelligence or what we're hearing if there's paramilitary coordination to it. But I want to be very clear that if it does come out from our investigations I'll not be slow or shy in attributing blame to those who are involved. " Today 11:53 AM PSNI press conference In a PSNI press conference today Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson praised officers who have dealt with two days of rioting in Ballymena. He said: "32 officers have now been injured over the last two nights of rioting. And I want to say publicly my admiration for the bravery and professionalism of those officers that they showed when dealing with the challenges and the violence they had to face." Today 11:40 AM NI Secretary hoping to visit Ballymena Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn hopes to visit Ballymena in the coming days, according to Lady Anderson. She also said the Cabinet minister was having "active conversations" with both the Stormont administration and the PSNI. Lady Anderson told peers that the region's Chief Constable Jon Boutcher was in the process of submitting a request through the mutual aid scheme to support current police policing operations. Today 11:33 AM Government minister says communities left 'very scared' following violence in NI A Government minister has said her thoughts are with communities in Northern Ireland who have been left "very scared" after two nights of violence in which a number of police officers have been injured. Responding to an urgent question in Parliament, Lords spokesperson for Northern Ireland Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent said: "The recent scenes of civil disorder which we have seen in Ballymena have no place in Northern Ireland. "The attacks on police officers as they work to keep people safe and on property are wholly unacceptable. "I would like to express my sincere thanks to the PSNI, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and the Northern Ireland ambulance service, who have worked in difficult conditions over the past few days to keep people safe. "My thoughts and prayers are with those officers still receiving treatment, and with the communities across Northern Ireland who woke up this morning very scared." Today 10:41 AM Policing Board members thank PSNI and emergency services for efforts in 'face of vicious attack' Policing Board Members today attended a specially convened briefing to receive an update from the PSNI on the policing response to the violence and disorder in Ballymena and other areas of Northern Ireland. Members were briefed on policing operations and challenges following violence. Policing Board Chair Mukesh Sharma said: "Our thoughts are with the victim of this assault and their family. "Measures now being taken by the police to reassure the victims of the violence, and the wider community affected, were outlined and discussed." He added: "Board Members also heard about the ferocity of the violence directed at police officers and the police command decisions to deploy water cannon and baton rounds were explained. "We thank all the police officers, and emergency service colleagues, for their work in the face of vicious attack, and trust all 32 officers injured will make a full recovery." Ms Sharma said the board condemns acts of "wanton violence against people, police and property". He added: "Such violence and racism has no place in our community. The widespread calls for calm, in tandem with condemnation of the disorder and support for policing from political leaders and others, are welcomed. "Policing needs the continued support through political and community leadership to bring this violence to an end."
Irish Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Live: Disorder continues across NI as Co Antrim leisure centre targeted
Disorder has broken out in Larne on Wednesday night as a leisure centre becomes the subject of attacks. PSNI officers have also returned to the streets of Ballymena as a number of protests take place across Northern Ireland. Images circulating online show bins set alight in from of Larne Lesiure Centre and a number of windows smashed and vandalised as it is alleged individuals were taken there after disturbances in Ballymena on Tuesday. It comes after 17 officers were injured during incidents on June 10, as a spokesperson said officers came under sustained attack over a number of hours with multiple petrol bombs, heavy masonry, bricks and fireworks thrown in their direction in the Clonavon Terrace area. Violent disorder has taken place in the Co Antrim town for two nights following a protest march held in the arrests over an alleged sexual assault on a teenager at the weekend. Two 14-year-old boys have been charged with attempted rape and a PSNI spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday a third person, aged 28, has been arrested in connection to the investigation. Five people were arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour on Tuesday and a male was also arrested on suspicion of disorderly behaviour on the O'Neill Road in Newtownabbey. PSNI vehicles have blocked the main street area of Harryville on Wednesday evening as PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said the force would be bringing extra officers, vehicles and equipment to areas where unrest has taken place. Online reports say that demonstrations are set to take place in various areas across the country including Belfast, Portadown and Coleraine. Two protests are facing off in Magherfelt. One group are standing with Palestine flags in the centre of the Co Derry town. Police are attempting to keep the peace This is the scene in Ballymena tonight East Antrim MLA Gordon Lyons has condemned the damage inflicted on Larne Leisure Centre tonight and said it only serves to hurt residents of the town. He said, 'The violence and disorder witnessed on our streets over recent nights serves no purpose. Wanton destruction such as the attack on Larne Leisure Centre is an attack on all residents who use the facility. There is absolutely no excuse for what has taken place in Larne, and it must be condemned.' Police Land Rovers are moving the crowd away from flashpoint area in Ballymena Belfast Live its very own breaking news and top stories service on WhatsApp and we want you to join. We'll send you the latest breaking news and the top headlines from across Northern Ireland straight to your phone. Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do is click on this link. Select 'Join Community' and you're in. No one will be able to see who's receiving our messages and no one else can send messages apart from the Belfast Live team. To leave our community, click on the name at the top of your screen and select 'exit group'. Videos online showing large number of people in the Harryville area - reports police dogs have been deployed in the area. Police have issued a warning for people to disperse from the area. It is reported that the Ravenhill Road in Belfast has been closed due to a protest and PSNI are on the scene. Reports that the roundabout at Whiteabbey Hospital has been closed off by police too. Cllr Tyler Hoey said on social media: "The scenes we are witnessing in Larne must come to an end. "I am urging those involved, disperse and go home. Wrecking your town, buildings does absolutely no favours." Minister Gordon Lyons said: It has been brought to my attention that a number of individuals were temporarily moved to Larne Leisure Centre in the early hours of the morning following the disturbances in Ballymena. As a local MLA for the area, neither I nor my DUP Council colleagues were made aware or consulted on this decision until late this afternoon. It has now been confirmed to us by the PSNI and Council that all these individuals are in the care of the Housing Executive and have been moved out of Larne. Protesting is of course a legitimate right but violence is not and I would encourage everyone to remain peaceful. MLA Danny Donnelly said: "I was disgusted to see a crowd of masked thugs attacking Larne Leisure Centre this evening. They threw bricks through windows, burned bins and have lit a large fire nearby. "Police Service of Northern Ireland officers were attacked with bricks. This was an attack on the town." Police in Northern Ireland have requested support from colleagues in the rest of the UK following violence in Ballymena, a senior officer has said. Read the full story here Police have closed Henry Street at the Railway Street junction in the Harryville area In a statement on Wednesday, Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: 'The mindless violence witnessed over the past two nights in Ballymena is deeply concerning and utterly unacceptable. These criminal acts not only endanger lives but also risk undermining the ongoing criminal justice process led by the PSNI in support of a victim who deserves truth, justice, and protection. '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. 'As with any serious offenders in Northern Ireland, we will pursue those responsible and bring them to justice. We will now begin our investigation of reviewing all evidence gathered, including video footage, and Images of the individuals involved will be released to identify offenders. 'Do not throw away your future and do not continue to endanger or intimidate the lives of others. 'To those who have been threatened or affected by this violence: we are with you. You deserve safety and justice, and we will find and prosecute those responsible. Hate-fuelled acts and mob rule do nothing but tear at the fabric of our society—they resolve nothing and serve no one."
