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NBC News
2 hours ago
- NBC News
Northern Ireland town is engulfed in racist riots for a third day
LONDON — Dozens of mostly young men torched homes and smashed in windows in a Northern Irish town late Wednesday, in a third night of what officials described as coordinated 'racist thuggery' against the community's ethnic minorities. Some residents of Ballymena, about 25 miles northwest of Belfast with a population of 30,000, responded to the anti-foreigner vigilantism by sticking the Union Jack or signs in their windows reading 'British household' and 'locals live here,' in an apparent attempt to be spared by the rioters. NBC News' British partner Sky News has seen residents from ethnic minorities packing up suitcases and leaving their homes, while others have spoken of their terror that the mob violence will continue. The violence first flared Monday during a vigil for a teenage girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault two days before. Two teenage boys, both 14, were charged with attempted rape and appeared in court Monday, communicating through a Romanian translator. The boys' identities have not been released because of their age. Masked rioters broke away from the otherwise peaceful vigil, building barricades and throwing bricks, Molotov cocktails and fireworks at houses and police. Riot police responded with rubber bullets and a water cannon. More than 40 officers have been injured over the three nights, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, known as the PSNI, said. The violence also spread to other towns in Northern Ireland, such as Coleraine, where a bus station was attacked, access to the train station was blocked and rioters pushed trash cans onto the rails and set them alight Wednesday night, police said. In Larne, some people whose homes were destroyed were given shelter at a leisure center — until that was targeted and set on fire, too. In total, 10 people, all men in their teens, 20s and 30s, have been arrested. Three of them, aged 18, 17 and 15, have been charged and are set to appear in court Thursday. 'This violence was clearly racially motivated and targeted at our minority ethnic community and police,' Ryan Henderson, PSNI assistant chief constable, said Tuesday at a news conference. 'It was racist thuggery pure and simple and any attempt to justify and explain it as something else is misplaced.' A Bulgarian national who lives in Ballymena and asked that her identity be protected told Sky News, 'It's terrifying, honestly, I'm scared to get out of the house,' She said she had been in Northern Ireland 'for a while — I've pursued an education here,' she said. 'I've done multiple things for the community and it's just absolutely heartbreaking that it's not the same Ballymena that I had when I first came here.' "It is important," said Sunder Katwala, director of British Future, a think tank that focuses on immigration, identity and integration, "to draw the clearest red line between the legitimate debate about immigration policy, including numbers, the pace of change and the quality of integration, and hateful abuse and threats." 'Governments need to manage asylum much better nationally and locally,' he said, 'but must challenge more forcefully those stoking hatred and socializing violence against migrants, and the platforms that let hatred run riot without impediment.' Northern Ireland is no stranger to unrest, but usually between 'unionists' — mostly Protestants who want Northern Ireland to remain part of the United Kingdom — and 'republicans' — mostly Catholics who want it to become part of the Irish Republic. Though this conflict, called 'the Troubles,' officially ended with a peace deal in 1998, sporadic clashes still break out between these often segregated communities and police. This week's unrest in Ballymena follows a different trend, however. Anti-foreigner sentiment has in recent years surged across the U.K. and indeed Europe and the West. As prices for food, fuel and housing rise due to inflation, and public services become squeezed, some politicians mainly on the populist hard-right have sought to blame mass immigration for putting undue stress on the system. Pro-immigration progressives argue that immigrants provide an essential net benefit to society, both bringing high-level skills and filling less glamorous but necessary jobs. Last summer, anti-immigrant violence flared across the U.K. after three young girls were stabbed to death at a Taylor Swift-themed dance party in the town of Southport in northwest England.
Irish Post
7 hours ago
- Irish Post
Leisure centre torched and hatchet thrown at police in third night of riots
A LEISURE centre was set alight as riots continued in Northern Ireland last night. Nine police officers were injured in Ballymena, Co. Antrim as the disorder continued for a third consecutive evening. The Police Service of Northern Ireland has condemned the violence as 'completely unacceptable'. Disorder erupted in the town on the evening of Monday, June 9 following a peaceful protest organised after the alleged sexual assault of a local teenage girl by two teenage boys. The violence has continued every night since, with a number of people arrested after houses were ransacked, cars were set on fire and roads were blocked. PSNI officers have come under attack while policing the disorder. Last night officers once were hit with petrol bombs, heavy masonry, bricks and fireworks, the PSNI confirmed in a statement this morning. The hatchet thrown at officers during last night's riots A hatchet was also thrown at officers. 'Nine officers were injured – thankfully, none of our officers reported serious injuries – and remained on duty,' they added. The violence has spread outside of the Ballymena area. In Larne, a local leisure centre had been set alight in what police describe as a 'shameful arson attack'. 'Shockingly, people were inside the building at the time of this fire – thankfully no injuries were reported – and we could have been looking at a completely different situation,' they added. Further disruption was caused in the Marine Highway area of Carrickfergus, where masked protestors blocked local roads. Two men aged in their 20s and one in their 30s, along with two teenagers, were arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour and other offences last night. A teenager was also arrested in the Newtownabbey area in connection with disorder in the Station Road area. In Coleraine, police received reports that a bus had been attacked, and was prevented from entering the train station. A number of bins were also set alight on train tracks at the station - and petrol bombs were also thrown at officers – trains and bus services were also cancelled. Over the course of the night officers fired Attenuating Energy Projectiles (AEPs) and used water cannons to disperse the crowds. Calm was brought to the affected areas at 1am this morning, the PSNI confirm. 'Last night a significant policing operation was again required on our streets to deal with violent disorder,' Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said. 'This criminal behaviour has no place on the streets of Northern Ireland and is completely unacceptable. 'What we witnessed last night has caused fear and huge disruption within our communities, including to our local transport network and community services.' He added: 'Police 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.' The force is now working to identify all those responsible for the disorder. 'We made six arrests last night during this disorder and more will follow,' Asst Chf Con Henderson said. 'We are working hard to identify all those responsible in this criminal disorder, and those involved will be dealt with using the full force of the law,' he added. 'We are now in the process of gathering evidence, CCTV and other footage of yesterday's disorder, and anyone who has information or who can help identify those responsible is asked to contact police on 101. 'I would strongly urge anyone who was involved in yesterday's rioting and disorder to think long and hard about their actions and its impact. 'I would also appeal for calm voices and cool heads to reduce tensions.' See More: Antrim, Ballymena, PSNI, Riots
BBC News
7 hours ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Portadown: Housing association tells residents to leave homes ahead of protest
A housing association has warned its residents to leave their homes and take measures to protect their properties ahead of a planned protest in County Housing in Portadown sent a letter to its residents stating Thursday's demonstration in the town is "directed towards migrants, foreign nationals, and what are perceived as deviant behaviour".The letter added that the demonstration could lead to an "unsafe situation" and advised them to "stay with family or friends during the protest".The Police Service of Northern Ireland's (PSNI) Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) Ryan Henderson said they will ensure an "appropriate and proportionate policing response" to any protest. Arbour Housing's letter to residents also said they should take measures to "secure your property and belongings".A poster promoting the protest, which has been shared widely on social media, said it is "time to take a stand" and "stop welcoming these illegal migrant gangs".It added that a planned demonstration on Tuesday was a "no show due to the short notice".Groups sharing details of the protest on social media said it will be "peaceful".It comes as Northern Ireland saw three nights of violence after a peaceful protest in Ballymena, County Antrim, descended into a trouble has spread to Larne, where a leisure centre was set on fire, Coleraine and PSNI officers were injured in the disturbances and 12 people have been the PSNI said protests in Antrim and Lisburn passed off without incident. PSNI 'will not tolerate a repeat' ACC Henderson said they are aware of social media posts calling for protests across Northern Ireland on Thursday and the week ahead."We urge anyone who plans to attend these protests to engage with us as we will be doing our part to ensure the safety of participants and to facilitate the lawful exercise of freedom of expression," he said."Police will not tolerate a repeat of the scenes we saw last night in Ballymena and other parts of Northern Ireland."We will continue to diligently monitor the situation to ensure an appropriate and proportionate policing response and we will be engaging with groups likely to be affected by any protest activity." Calls for 'calm' Commenting on the Portadown protest, DUP MP Carla Lockhart said there is a "legitimate concern" about illegal immigration but urged those taking part to "remain calm and respectful"."Lawful protest is a right in any free society, but it must not tip into confrontation or chaos," she said. "We have already seen in Ballymena how genuine grievances can be hijacked by a minority and spiral into violence. That is neither wanted nor welcome."We must also remember that many people from different cultures have been part of our community in Portadown and surrounding areas for years. "They are working in our hospitals, schools, and businesses contributing positively to society."Sinn Féin MLA John O'Dowd said reports of a "racist protest" in Portadown are "deeply disturbing and disgraceful"."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."
Glasgow Times
7 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Three teenagers charged following violence in Ballymena
The three males, aged 15, 17 and 18 years have been charged with riot, while the 15-year-old has also been charged with criminal damage following scenes in the Co Antrim town on Tuesday night. They are to appear before Ballymena Magistrates' Court later. Meanwhile, two other teenage boys who were arrested during the disorder have been released on bail to allow for further police inquiries. A PSNI vehicle near to debris on fire during a third night of disorder in Ballymena, Co Antrim (Liam McBurney/PA) Police in Northern Ireland condemned a third consecutive night of 'completely unacceptable' disorder on Thursday morning. They said on Wednesday night in Ballymena their officers came under sustained attack with multiple petrol bombs, a hatchet, heavy masonry, bricks and fireworks thrown at them. Officers responded with water cannon, dogs and plastic baton rounds in an attempt to disperse crowds in the town. Nine officers were injured, while two men, aged in their 20s, and one in their 30s, along with two teenagers, were arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour and other offences in connection with the disorder on Wednesday. Police said officers discharged a number of Attenuating Energy Projectiles (AEPs) and the water cannon was deployed once again in an attempt to disperse and calm crowds. Meanwhile, police said they responded to an attack on the local leisure centre in Larne. Masked protesters blocked local roads in the Marine Highway area of Carrickfergus, a teenager was arrested in Newtownabbey following disorder in the Station Road area and in Coleraine, a bus was attacked, bins were set alight on the train tracks and petrol bombs were thrown at police. They added that associated protests passed without incident in the Antrim and Lisburn areas, and there were mainly peaceful protests in Belfast. PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson speaks during a press conference at PSNI headquarters in east Belfast on Wednesday (Rebecca Black/PA) Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said there was a significant policing operation on Wednesday night. 'What we witnessed last night has caused fear and huge disruption within our communities, including to our local transport network and community services,' he said. 'Police 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. We are working hard to identify all those responsible in this criminal disorder, and those involved will be dealt with using the full force of the law. Firefighters outside Larne Leisure Centre following a fire and vandalism at the facility (Liam McBurney/PA) 'We are now in the process of gathering evidence, CCTV and other footage of yesterday's disorder, and anyone who has information or who can help identify those responsible is asked to contact police on 101. 'I would strongly urge anyone who was involved in yesterday's rioting and disorder to think long and hard about their actions and its impact. I would also appeal for calm voices and cool heads to reduce tensions.' Earlier, Secretary of State Hilary Benn described scenes as 'shocking', adding there is 'absolutely no justification for civil disorder'. He told the BBC's Good Morning Ulster programme: 'This not what Northern Ireland is about, this is not what we want the rest of the world to see. 'We all, as elected representatives, have a responsibility to seek to calm things down, to support those in the community trying to keep people safe, principally the PSNI, to work with community leaders to lower tensions. 'Whatever views people hold, there is no justification for trying to burn people out of their homes, that is what is going on, and that is what needs to stop because it is shocking and damaging, and it reflects very badly of the image of Northern Ireland that we all want to send to the rest of the world.' 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. She said she will be seeking additional funding for the PSNI in the June Monitoring Round. She also commended the PSNI for seeking support through a mutual aid request for additional officers from Great Britain. 'This is not just a few days of violence, this has been wanton destruction on a huge scale, and any police service in these islands who are dealing with this kind of pressure, dealing with the number of officers, now close to 50, who have been injured in the last few days, would clearly be feeling the challenge and the strain,' she told the BBC. Wednesday marked the third night of violence in Ballymena (Jonathan McCambridge/PA) The leisure centre had temporarily been used as an emergency shelter for those in urgent need following disturbances in Ballymena 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. SDLP MLA Matthew O'Toole, the leader of the opposition in the Northern Ireland Assembly, said he would refer Mr Lyons to the standards commission following the fire. Tense scenes as police hold the line close to Clonavon Terrace in Ballymena @PA — Jonny McCambridge (@McCambridgeJ) June 11, 2025 In the town on Wednesday, the PSNI deployed riot police for a third night in a row as hundreds gathered around the Clonavon Terrace area. At least one protester was struck by plastic baton rounds fired by police while officers also used a water cannon on the crowd. Officers used dog units and drones in their response to the gathering. Riot police with shields advanced on the crowd to disperse them down Bridge Street on to other roads. PSNI vehicles formed a barricade outside The Braid, Ballymena Town Hall Museum and Arts Centre (Liam McBurney/PA) They came under sustained attack as those participating in disorder hurled petrol bombs, masonry and fireworks at police vehicles and officers standing nearby. Rioters smashed the windows of a house on North Street and set multiple fires on streets in the surrounding area. The disorder and stand-off with police continued past midnight. The PSNI have also noted scenes of disorder in Belfast, Lisburn, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey earlier in the week, as businesses, homes and cars were attacked and damaged. By Wednesday, six individuals had been arrested for public order offences, and one charged. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he 'utterly condemns' violence which left 32 police officers injured after the second night of disturbances. Northern Ireland deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, right, met residents in Clonavon Terrace on Tuesday (Niall Carson/PA) PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has warned the rioting 'risks undermining' the criminal justice process into an allegation of a sex attack on a teenage girl in Ballymena at the weekend. Stormont ministers have also made an urgent appeal for calm and said the justice process had to be allowed to take its course. First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly appeared together on Wednesday to voice their condemnation. Sinn Fein vice-president Ms O'Neill told reporters in Belfast: 'It's pure racism, there is no other way to dress it up.' Ms Little-Pengelly described the scenes in Ballymena as 'unacceptable thuggery'. Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly speak to media at the Ulster Hall in Belfast on Wednesday (David Young/PA) With the protests focused in predominantly loyalist areas in Ballymena, Ms O'Neill said she did not believe it would be helpful for her to visit in the current context. DUP MLA Ms Little-Pengelly met residents in the town on Wednesday and said the local community are in fear and wanted the violence to stop. 'The key message here today is around that violence, and that the violence needs to stop, that's what the community wants to put across, and that's why I'm here to send that very clear and united message from right throughout the community and local residents for that to stop,' she said. The violence began around Clonavon Terrace on Monday night following an earlier peaceful protest which was organised in support of the family of a girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the area. Two teenage boys, who spoke to a court through a Romanian interpreter, have been charged.
Irish Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Nine officers injured and six arrests made on third night of unrest in Ballymena
Nine police officers were injured after being attacked with petrol bombs, fireworks, and bricks as violence erupted for a third night in Northern Ireland. PSNI officers returned to the streets of Ballymena in Co Antrim on Wednesday as a number of protests took place across the country. Officers once again came under sustained attack with multiple petrol bombs, heavy masonry, bricks and fireworks thrown at them. Nine officers were injured in the chaos. According to the PSNI, none of the officers reported serious injuries and were able to remain on duty. Two men aged in their 20s and one in their 30s, along with two teenagers, were arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour and other offences in connection with the disorder. Officers also discharged a number of Attenuating Energy Projectiles (AEPs) and the water cannon was deployed once again in an attempt to disperse and calm crowds. In Larne, officers responded to a report the local leisure centre had been set alight in a 'shameful' arson attack. According to the PSNI, a number of people were inside the building at the time of this fire, although no injuries were reported. The PSNI said enquiries remain ongoing today in relation to the circumstances surrounding the fire. In the Marine Highway area of Carrickfergus some masked protestors blocked local roads – which resulted in traffic disruption. A teenager was also arrested in the Newtownabbey area in connection with disorder in the Station Road area. In Coleraine, police received reports that a bus had been attacked, and was prevented from entering the train station. A number of bins were also set alight on train tracks at the station - and petrol bombs were also thrown at officers – which resulted in trains and bus services being cancelled. Police are also investigating a fire to nearby business premises and a subsequent report that a number of young people broke into a local tyre business and added tyres to fire. As a result of a significant policing operation calm was restored to all areas at around 1am this morning. The PSNI has condemned the third consecutive night of 'completely unacceptable' disorder as they appealed for 'calm voices and cool heads to reduce tensions'. Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson commented on last night's events, adding: 'Last night a significant policing operation was again required on our streets to deal with violent disorder. 'This criminal behaviour has no place on the streets of Northern Ireland and is completely unacceptable. 'What we witnessed last night has caused fear and huge disruption within our communities, including to our local transport network and community services. 'Police 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. We are working hard to identify all those responsible in this criminal disorder, and those involved will be dealt with using the full force of the law. 'We are now in the process of gathering evidence, CCTV and other footage of yesterday's disorder, and anyone who has information or who can help identify those responsible is asked to contact police on 101. 'I would strongly urge anyone who was involved in yesterday's rioting and disorder to think long and hard about their actions and its impact. I would also appeal for calm voices and cool heads to reduce tensions.' Photos and footage, including CCTV, mobile phone or dash cam footage, can be shared with police through the Major Incident Public Portal at report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at Violent disorder had already taken place in Ballymena for two consecutive nights following a protest march held in the wake of 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 but was unconditionally released.
