Hatchet hurled at PSNI officers as six more arrests made during third night of trouble
live |
Police made six more arrests during another night of violence in Northern Ireland.
At one stage a hatchet was thrown at PSNI officers by a mob.
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said today: 'This criminal behaviour has no place on the streets of Northern Ireland and is completely unacceptable.'
He said officers came under attack from petrol bombs, fireworks and heavy masonry.
'A hatchet was also thrown at police lines during this disorder in a clear attempt to seriously injure our officers – and I thank them once again for their continued efforts putting themselves on the line keeping our streets safe.
'We made six arrests last night during this disorder and more will follow.'
Justice Minister Naomi Long said those taking part in rioting should 'be afraid because police will make arrests'.
Unrest spread to other towns on Wednesday, including Coleraine and Larne – where the leisure centre was set on fire by masked vandals who also smashed windows.
Police deal with a third night of violence in Ballymena
The facility had temporarily been used as emergency shelter for those in urgent need following disturbances in Ballymena earlier in the week.
Several arrests have been made and dozens of police officers have been injured during the sustained unrest in Ballymena, which also saw multiple properties and vehicles set on fire.
Three teens charged following disorder in Ballymena
The PSNI have confirmed that the arrests are in connection with disorder that broke out in the area on Tuesday, June 10. One man, aged 18, and two teenage boys, aged 15 and 17, have been charged with riot.
The 15-year-old has also been charged with criminal damage.
They are expected to appear before Ballymena Magistrates Court today.
Two other teenage boys who were arrested during the disorder have been released on bail to allow for further police enquiries.
45 minutes ago
Justice minister says those rioting 'should be afraid because police will make arrests'
'Those people who have been showing their faces in the camera and think that they are empowered when they are part of a mob may not feel so brave when they get a knock on the door from the local police to arrest them for charges of riotous behaviour,' she said on BBC's Good Morning Ulster on Thursday Morning.
When asked how she would respond to those who say they are not afraid, Ms Long said they 'should be'.
She said: 'Well they should be, they should be afraid, because the police will make arrests, they have already done so over the past number of days, and I would expect that, as with the riotous behaviour last year, that a robust approach will be taken when it comes to dealing with those engaged with this sort of destructive racism and hate and violence on our streets.'
Asked if photographs will be shared in the public domain she explained that that is the decision of the PSNI's chief constable.
'But that is how he proceeded last year and I know it was a very effective way in terms of identifying those who were involved in serious disturbances,' she said.
'What I would like to see is all of those in the community in positions of leadership, with influence, bring this to an end before someone loses their life, because that is the space we are now in, and people need to take responsibility for their own actions but also need to do everything within their power to call on others.'
60 minutes ago
Gordon Lyons to be referred to Assembly watchdog
'He is unfit for office': Gordon Lyons to be reported over social media comments on Larne Leisure Centre
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has said his comments about Larne Leisure Centre housing individuals displaced by recent riots were made before the building was set alight, and were intended to 'diffuse' tensions.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Herald Scotland
15 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
Police Scotland send 80 officers to Ulster as riots spread
Missiles were thrown at PSNI officers after a protest in Portadown last night continuing a trend that was sparked earlier in the week in Ballymena. It came after Mr Boutcher warned 'bigots and racists' behind earlier nights of unrest in the region that his officers will be coming after them. He said a young girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in Ballymena at the weekend, an incident that triggered protests that descended into violence in the Co Antrim town, had been 'further traumatised' by the rioting since Monday. A person wears a Union Jack flag and stands near armed police, who are present in Portadown in Co Armagh, following three nights of disorder in Ballymena, Co Antrim. (Image: Brian Lawless/PA Wire) Forty-one PSNI officers have been injured in the unrest, which had resulted in 15 arrests by Thursday evening. Mr Boutcher, who met the girl's family earlier that day, spoke to the media in Belfast after a meeting with his oversight body, the Northern Ireland Policing Board. 'Stop this violence,' he said. 'We will come after you. We will arrest you. We will prosecute you successfully. It is not in any way a way for a civilised society to behave and it must stop now.' He said the family was 'mortified' by the disorder. 'This girl's family and this girl want it to end. Our communities want it to end. We need it to end. So please don't come out on the streets tonight. If you do, we will police you and we will deal with you through the criminal justice system.' After the warning, there were tense scenes in Portadown as masked individuals hurled masonry, fireworks and other objects at riot police late into the night. A total of 41 officers from the PSNI have been injured in the riots (Image: Brian Lawless) Officers moved to extinguish fires set on roads while residents worked to clear debris left over from clashes in the area around Jervis Street. Police units, supported by the presence of a water cannon, dispersed those gathered into other areas of the town towards midnight. However, the unrest in Northern Ireland appeared of a lower intensity than scenes earlier in the week. Some gatherings planned in other towns proceeded largely without any major disturbance by 9pm on Thursday. READ MORE: Starmer calls for de-escalation after Israel attacks Iran in overnight strikes Pioneering scientist and first black Scottish professor dies aged 85 SNP ministers reject proposal for major tax rise on second homes in tourist hotspots A significant police presence had been deployed to Ballymena but there was no initial repeat of the violence of previous nights. Police said a separate protest in east Belfast also ended early in the evening. The riotous behaviour earlier in the week saw vandalism, vehicles burned and arson attacks on a number of properties across several towns. Petrol bombs, fireworks, masonry and a hatchet were among items thrown at officers. Police responded with water cannon, dogs and plastic baton rounds in an attempt to disperse crowds during riots in Ballymena. Mr Boutcher said: 'I want to specifically mention the 41 police officers who've been injured. Each of those officers have put themselves in harm's way to protect our communities. 'And I want to send a very clear message to all our diverse communities: we stand absolutely shoulder to shoulder with you. We are here to protect you. 'We are your police service, and these bigots and racists will not win the day. This will be policed properly. We will deal with this, and we all know that in this room, but let's call an end to it now.' The PSNI chief said the initial lawful and legitimate process before unrest broke out was done in a way that was responsible and empathetic to the victim. However, he said the protest was subsequently 'hijacked' and turned into 'wanton, disgraceful criminal behaviour that is absolutely race motivated'. The chief said the service was under-resourced and needed to be funded 'properly' rather than 'disgracefully'. However, he said his officers would still bring people to justice: 'We've put our public order inquiry team together, we'll be releasing images of those responsible. We will be going after them.' Mr Boutcher described how PSNI members helped evacuate foreign national families who were hiding in attics and wardrobes in their homes in Ballymena as rioters went on the rampage on Monday. He said the families targeted had done nothing wrong. 'They are not criminals. They contribute positively to society here and are well integrated,' he said. 'Fire Service colleagues described how they went to the scenes to stop arson attacks at those addresses, and how they, in all their years in the Fire Service, have not seen levels of violence to that level, and told me specifically and directly of the bravery, the courage of a very thin green line of police officers that without doubt, in my view, saved lives that night.' Earlier, a judge said the courts would deal 'robustly' with those involved in the violence in Ballymena. District Judge Nigel Broderick said that young people who got involved were risking a significant custodial sentence, as three teenagers faced rioting charges at the town's magistrates' court on Thursday. Michael Elliot, 18, of Lanntara, Ballymena, and two youths, were the first defendants to appear in court since the sustained violence erupted on Monday. Meanwhile, two other teenage boys who were arrested during the disorder have been released on bail to allow for further police inquiries. Secretary of State Hilary Benn described the scenes as 'mindless racist thuggery' while Stormont Justice Minister Naomi Long said it has been a 'three-day festival of hate and destruction' which needs to stop before someone loses their life. There was an arson attack on a leisure centre in Larne, thirty minutes from Ballymena, after it was temporarily used as an emergency shelter for those in urgent need after disturbances in the town earlier in the week. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, who highlighted the use of the building in a social media post, said all those who had been staying at the leisure centre are in the care of the Housing Executive and have been moved out of Larne. Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill said Mr Lyons should resign over the post, and the leader of the opposition in the Northern Ireland Assembly, SDLP MLA Matthew O'Toole, said he would refer the Communities Minister to the standards commission. Mr Benn also asked the minister to 'reflect upon his words' and 'not upon his position'. Mr Lyons has resisted calls for his resignation and said he would 'strongly hit back at any notion' that he had publicly revealed the facility was being used to house immigrant families who had been affected by violence in Ballymena.
Metro
16 minutes ago
- Metro
Third night of Ballymena riots erupt after 'shelter' set alight by 'thugs'
Sorry, this video isn't available any more. 'Masked thugs' have smashed a leisure centre's windows and set it on fire in the third night of rioting in Northern Ireland. Footage on social media shows masked individuals attacking Larne Leisure Centre, which it is said was housing people displaced by the disorder. Rioting rages for a third night in a row in Ballymena, with petrol bombs being chucked at police and water canons being used against demonstrators. Six people have been arrested and 32 police officers were injured in the previous two nights of violence. On Tuesday rioters threw petrol bombs, bricks and fireworks at officers as tensions continued to rise in the Co Antrim town. Officers used rubber bullets and a water cannon to disperse crowds, but despite this, businesses and homes were attacked and damaged, and vehicles were set alight. Disorder started up again on Wednesday as Larne Leisure Centre was set on fire in the early evening. It is believed no one was inside the building at the time, but DUP politician Gordon Lyons said earlier today that 'a number of individuals were temporarily moved to Larne Leisure Centre… following disturbances in Ballymena'. Ulster Unionist Politician John Stewart called those who set fire to the centre 'despicable and disgraceful'. Crowds gathered for a third night in Ballymena as riot police line the streets in response. Officers have messages blaring from loud speakers, telling locals to 'disperse immediately' and warning force will be used against violent individuals'. The 'racially motivated violence' has led Ballymena residents to stick Union Jacks and other flags to their doors in hopes their properties won't be targeted. Doors have been spotted with 'Filipino Lives Here' signs, and entire rows of houses have been spotted displaying 'locals live here' signs. Other protests on Tuesday also took place in areas of Belfast, Lisburn, Coleraine and Newtownabbey earlier in the evening, some of which experienced disorder. Two bins were set alight and bottles and masonry were thrown at police in the Sunnylands area of Carrickfergus by a group of 20-30 young people. A man was arrested on suspicion of disorderly behaviour in Newtownabbey after bins were set alight. Chief Constable Jon Boutcher condemned the second night of violence and 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.' The two nights of riots come after an earlier peaceful protest on Monday in support of the family of a girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the area. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said 15 officers were injured on Monday night, some of whom needed hospital treatment, and two police vehicles were damaged. The rioting began after two 14-year-old boys, thought to be Romanian, appeared in court charged with attempted oral rape. It reportedly took place in the Clonavon Terrace area on Saturday evening. The boys appeared at Coleraine magistrates court on Monday via videolink from a juvenile justice centre, where they both pleaded not guilty. Ian Acheson is a senior advisor at the Counter Extremism Project. He told Metro: 'The violence in Ballymena is a grim illustration of what happens when xenophobia collides with legitimate fears across the island of Ireland about what uncontrolled and unresourced migration is doing to local communities. 'We need to be clear that racist thugs and those who cleave to no ideology except the gleeful opportunity to burn their own communities and attack police should be identified, prosecuted and locked up. 'But it is ironic that social media and some of the mainstream outlets is saturated with a requirement that commentators pass a condemnation purity test in ways never previously applied to the terrorism that has disfigured society in Northern Ireland. 'There can be no nuance applied to the nihilistic thugs that hijacked a peaceful protest following the charging of two foreign nationals with the rape of a local girl. 'At the same time, condemning everyone in Ballymena who either attended the protests or the vast majority who stayed home horrified by the violence as racist, does the work of extremists for them. 'Northern Ireland is the litmus test for the sectarian violence that I fear is to come across the rest of these islands if politicians fail to respond to valid and justifiable concerns about demographic changes causing social unrest across Ireland. 'It is significant that the tribal alliances of loyalism and republicanism that once polarised communities are now coming together in a common cause of anti-migrant extremism. 'People who ignore these new and dangerous alliances are leaving an open goal for violent extremism to regain its potency. That is something we must all fight against.' A Romanian interpreter was in court to read the charges to both defendants. Around 2,500 people gathered in the park on Monday before moving towards Clonavon Terrace. The men, women and children marched along Larne Street and Queen Street – but the situation erupted into violence as fires were lit, a boat was overturned and homes vandalised. Northern Ireland's First Minister has condemned the 'racist and sectarian attacks', saying the rioting must stop immediately. Michelle O'Neill said: 'Those responsible for this violence bring nothing to our communities but hatred, fear and division. '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. 'We are a kind-hearted, caring and compassionate people. We stand united and strong, facing down those who seek to divide us through violence and intimidation. More Trending 'I have spoken with the PSNI Chief Constable and urged him to ensure those responsible for orchestrating and perpetuating these crimes are held fully to account. '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.' And Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he 'utterly condemns' the attacks, adding: 'It's 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.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Ballymena riots: Nine police officers injured after third night of violence MORE: 'Everyone asks what fragrance I'm wearing – it's this little-known niche perfume' MORE: Does money seem to be the hardest word? How to talk about it with each of your loved ones
Daily Mail
38 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Man, 36, is charged with murder of 13-month-old boy plus serious sex and child cruelty offences
A man has been charged with murder following the death of a 13-month-old boy. Jamie Varley, 36, from Lancashire has also been accused of serious sexual and child cruelty offences, the Crown Prosecution Service has said. It comes after a one-year-old boy called Preston Davey died in a hospital in Blackpool on July 27 last year.
