Missiles thrown at police in Ballymena as water cannon requested in second day of disorder
At least four armoured vehicles have been deployed in the Clonavon area of the Co Antrim town as masked youths partake in the disorder.
Police sources have told the Belfast Telegraph a water cannon has been authorised for use.
Officers have additionally warned rioters they plan to fire baton rounds.
Around 300 hundred protestors have also gathered in the area.
It comes after a vigil was held over the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl in Ballymena flared into a riot yesterday evening.
Two teenage boys, both 14, were arrested in connection with the alleged sexual assault and have been jointly charged with the attempted oral rape of the girl on June 7.
The public disorder on Monday evening resulted in 15 police officers suffering injuries with four homes in the area being set alight.
Translink has also suspended bus services in several areas of Belfast due to protests, as police confirm they are currently 'monitoring' the situation across Northern Ireland.
Services on the Shore Road in north Belfast remain at a standstill due to protestors blocking roadways along bus routes.
Bus services along the Ravenhill Road between the east and south of the city have also been diverted towards the Ormeau Embankment due to ongoing demonstrations.
Protestors had previously blocked roads at Carlisle Circus which have since dispersed.
It's understood a crowd of around 50 gathered at the area holding placards saying: 'Protect Our Children.'
Shankill Road bus services have since been restored the public transport operator said.
A Translink spokesperson said: 'Metro 11 Shankill services have been restored. Shore road services currently suspended until further notice due to protests on the routes.
'Metro 6D services Diverted out and in via the Ormeau Road via the Embankment due to a protest on the Ravenhill Road.'
A PSNI spokesperson said: "The Police Service of Northern Ireland is aware of several protests across Northern Ireland this evening, Tuesday 10th June. Officers are in attendance and will continue to monitor the situation."
News Catch Up - Tuesday 10th June
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Belfast Telegraph
a day ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Fire started and windows smashed at Larne Leisure Centre
live | Follow our blog for the latest updates Masked youths have attacked Larne Leisure Centre by smashing windows and setting fires in a third day of disorder. 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. Lady Anderson, speaking in the House of Lords today, said the Cabinet minister was having "active conversations" with both the Stormont administration and the PSNI. News Catch Up - Wednesday 11th June 2025 The Prime Minister Sir 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: 3 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. 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. 38 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 External contentWhen displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties. Today 07:05 PM Several bus services suspended in Coleraine following reports of a protest Translink on Twitter / X #ULB Due to a protest in the area & buses not being able to access to the bus station #Coleraine 140a/b triangle services have been suspended.— Translink (@Translink_NI) June 11, 2025 External contentWhen displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties. Today 06:03 PM A vandalised house in Ballymena is now displaying a 'British Household' sign in the window Today 05:39 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 05:08 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 04:51 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 04:35 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 04:07 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 04:03 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 03:59 PM 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 03:57 PM 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 03:53 PM 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 03:40 PM 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 03:33 PM 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 02:41 PM 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." Today 01:44 PM Deputy First Minister says violent demonstrations 'serve no purpose whatsoever' Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly says violence in Ballymena is "serving no purpose whatsover, but risk criminal convictions of young people". The Deputy First Minister added that the family of the victim of an alleged sexual assault in Ballymena have been "very clear" that they did not want violence following a peaceful demonstrations on Monday night. "At the heart of this initial protest was a victim, a young girl." "But then of course that [demonstration] turned into something very, very different, the family have been clear, they don't want that violence." Today 01:38 PM First Minister: Recent violence 'pure racism' Speaking at a joint press conference, First Minister Michelle O'Neill condemned recent violent demonstrations as "pure racism", saying "It's pure racism, there's no other way to dress it up." "We can't dress this up, this is racism in Ballymena, and we have to say that this is not tolerated in this society". "It's wrong - we have to say that it's wrong and all political leaders need to join together in calling for calm." First Minister Michelle O'Neill Today 01:02 PM Local Council on unrest: 'It needs to stop now' Mid and East Antrim Borough Council have condemned the unrest of the past two nights in Ballymena, saying the incidents have "brought fear and distress to so many people and blighted our local community." The Council also called for an end to the violence, urging anyone considering getting involved in demonstrations to think again. 'It needs to stop now. These are not protests, they are a disguise for violence and vandalism and will not be tolerated. 'Ballymena is a thriving town with a wonderful mix of people, businesses and communities. What is being broadcast across the world is not representative of the town or its people. 'Comprehensive plans are in place by the police to prepare for and deal with any further disorder. We would strongly urge anyone considering attending any gatherings to think again - stay at home, do not stand side-by-side with rioters, and think of your community."
Belfast Telegraph
2 days ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Car torched as disorder spreads to other areas of NI on second night of violence in Ballymena
LATEST | Car set alight in north Belfast Sporadic disorder in Newtownabbey, CarrickfergusCalm restored to Ballymena around after 1am after second night of violence Calm was restored to the Ballymena area after 1am last night after a second night of violence erupted. 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. Police also dealt with sporadic disorder in Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus while a car was set alight in north Belfast. Police in Newtownabbey said last night: 'Following a protest at Cloughfern, colleagues are aware of a group of young people who appear intent on engaging in some form of disorder. "So that we can avoid any allegation that we target local young people and attempt to criminalise them, I would ask for some assistance from friends, family or anyone with influence to help us protect these young people by diverting them away from the area and help us dispose of the fireworks to which they have gained access.' Translink suspended bus services in several areas of Belfast due to protests. Services on the Shore Road in north Belfast were at a standstill due to protestors blocking roadways along bus routes. Bus services along the Ravenhill Road between the east and south of the city were also diverted towards the Ormeau Embankment due to demonstrations, while there was disruption to services in the Shankill Road area. Protestors had also blocked roads at Carlisle Circus. It's understood a crowd of around 50 gathered at the area holding placards saying: 'Protect Our Children.' Police will release a further update later this morning. In Ballymena, some residents in Ballymena marked doors to display their nationality while two water cannons were also at the scene of the ongoing 'serious disorder.' At least four armoured vehicles were deployed in the Clonavon area as masked youths attacked officers. Some Filipino workers in the 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. Petrol bombs, bricks and bottles were among the missiles thrown at police. A PSNI spokesperson last night said the incident escalated to 'serious disorder'. 'Police are currently dealing with serious disorder in the Clonavon Terrace area of Ballymena this evening,' they said. "Members of the public should avoid the area.' Around 300 protestors gathered in the area, close to where a teenage girl was alleged to have been sexually assaulted at the weekend. A peaceful vigil on Monday to support the girl and her family was followed by serious trouble. Two boys, both 14, were arrested and later charged with the attempted oral rape of the girl on June 7. The charges were read to the teenagers by a Romanian interpreter. Monday evening's violence resulted in 15 police officers suffering injuries with four homes in the area being set alight.
Belfast Telegraph
2 days ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Baton rounds fired at rioters in Ballymena while car is torched in north Belfast as second night of violence erupts
Some residents in Ballymena are marking doors to display their nationality while two water cannons are also at the scene of the ongoing 'serious disorder.' At least four armoured vehicles have been deployed in the Clonavon area as masked youths attacked officers in a second night of violence in the Co Antrim town. Petrol bombs, bricks and bottles are among the missiles thrown at police. A PSNI spokesperson said the incident has escalated to 'serious disorder' and urged people to avoid the area. 'Police are currently dealing with serious disorder in the Clonavon Terrace area of Ballymena this evening,' they said. "Members of the public should avoid the area.' Around 300 protestors have also gathered in the area, close to where a teenage girl was alleged to have been sexually assaulted at the weekend. A peaceful vigil on Monday to support the girl and her family was followed by serious trouble. Two boys, both 14, were arrested and later charged with the attempted oral rape of the girl on June 7. Some Filipino workers in the 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. Monday evening's violence resulted in 15 police officers suffering injuries with four homes in the area being set alight. Meanwhile, a car was set alight in north Belfast tonight as disorder flared in several areas of the city. Police in Newtownabbey said: 'Following a protest at Cloughfern, colleagues are aware of a group of young people who appear intent on engaging in some form of disorder. "So that we can avoid any allegation that we target local young people and attempt to criminalise them, I would ask for some assistance from friends, family or anyone with influence to help us protect these young people by diverting them away from the area and help us dispose of the fireworks to which they have gained access.' Tonight, Translink suspended bus services in several areas of Belfast due to protests. Services on the Shore Road in north Belfast were at a standstill due to protestors blocking roadways along bus routes. Bus services along the Ravenhill Road between the east and south of the city were also diverted towards the Ormeau Embankment due to demonstrations. Protestors had blocked roads at Carlisle Circus, but have since dispersed. It's understood a crowd of around 50 gathered at the area holding placards saying: 'Protect Our Children.' Shankill Road bus services have since been restored the public transport operator said. A Translink spokesperson said: 'Metro 11 Shankill services have been restored. Shore road services currently suspended until further notice due to protests on the routes. 'Metro 6D services Diverted out and in via the Ormeau Road via the Embankment due to a protest on the Ravenhill Road.' A PSNI spokesperson said: "The Police Service of Northern Ireland is aware of several protests across Northern Ireland this evening, Tuesday 10th June. Officers are in attendance and will continue to monitor the situation."
