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Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Yahoo
Northern Ireland Riots Escalate With Petrol Bombs and Chaos
A vehicle burns as police riot squad officers battle protesters throwing projectiles late on June 10, 2025, in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. Credit - Charles McQuillan—Getty Images For a second night in a row, riots rocked the town of Ballymena in Northern Ireland on Tuesday, lasting into the early hours of Wednesday morning. Protesters used petrol bombs and fireworks as they clashed with the authorities. In response, police used plastic baton rounds and a water cannon. The overnight disruption in Ballymena, situated north of the capital Belfast, resulted in the injury of 17 police officers, with some requiring hospital treatment. Five people were arrested on suspicion of riotous behavior, according to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). Police have said that across both nights of rioting, businesses and homes have been 'attacked and damaged,' adding that more vehicles were set alight on Tuesday evening, as tensions escalated. A number of protests also took place in other towns and cities across Northern Ireland, including Belfast, Lisburn, and Newtownabbey. Here's what to know about the ongoing unrest in Ballymena. The disorder started on Monday, June 9, after a peaceful protest took place in the town of Ballymena over an alleged sexual assault that police say occurred the previous Saturday. Earlier on Monday, two 14-year-old boys appeared at Coleraine Magistrates' Court in relation to the assault. The boys are charged with attempted oral rape. Both deny the charges. The boys appeared via videolink from a juvenile center, and confirmed their names and ages via a Romanian translator. Later in the day, hundreds of people—including men, women and children—peacefully protested the ongoing case in the town centre of Ballymena, raising concerns about the safety of young women and locals. Separate riots then began in the town on Monday night, as police reported a number of 'missiles' thrown at officers and properties nearby being damaged. The authorities have referred to the escalated riots as "racially-motivated" attacks that are targeting minority ethnic communities. Chief Superintendent Sue Steen issued a plea to the public on Monday night, saying: 'We are urging everyone to remain calm and to act responsibly. Violence and disorder will only place people at greater risk.' Speaking to the BBC's Nolan Show on Wednesday morning, assistant chief constable Ryan Henderson said that more disorder is expected. 'We are absolutely prepared that we may see more of this in the coming days,' he said.'Given that we have seen it now for two nights and the severity has maintained over both nights, we are certainly preparing that we may face similar tonight.' Henderson urged the public to stay at home on Wednesday evening. Meanwhile, Sky News correspondent Connor Gillies, who is in Ballymena, said that some families are 'barricading themselves' in their attics amid the escalating violence. "The talk here in this town is that it could go on for weeks yet," he said. In response to the first night of rioting, Henderson said during a press conference: 'This violence was clearly racially-motivated and targeted at our minority ethnic community and the police. It was racist thuggery purely and simply, and any attempt to justify or explain it as anything else is misplaced.' The BBC has reported that some households have put up signs signifying the ethnicity or nationality of its residents, seemingly in an effort to remain out of harm's way. One photo showed a sign above a door reading 'Filipino lives here.' In a statement released on Wednesday in response to the second night of chaos, chief constable Jon Boutcher called the riots 'mindless violence' and that it was "deeply concerning and utterly unacceptable." 'These criminal acts not only endanger lives but also risk undermining the ongoing criminal justice process led by the [police] in support of a victim who deserves truth, justice, and protection,' Boutcher said. '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.' The chief constable also thanked the police officers tasked with handling and responding to the riots, adding that he believes the PSNI is 'critically underfunded.' 'Despite operating under immense financial pressure—far greater than that faced by other public services in Northern Ireland or police forces across the UK and in the Republic of Ireland—our officers continue to display unwavering professionalism, courage, and resolve,' said Boutcher. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called the disorder in Ballymena 'very concerning,' saying that there is 'no justification' for the damage and injuries caused. 'The reports of sexual assault in the area are extremely distressing, but there is no justification for attacks on police officers while they continue to protect local communities,' said a Downing Street spokesperson. "PSNI and the justice system must be allowed to carry out their jobs and our thoughts are with the victims of the assault as well as the police officers who were injured." Michelle O'Neill, Northern Ireland's First Minister, has called for an immediate end to 'the racist and sectarian attacks on families across the North and the rioting in Ballymena.' Speaking out via social media on Wednesday morning, she said: '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.' Leader of the Northern Irish Unionist Ulster Party Mike Nesbitt, who also serves as Health Minister, said: 'There is no justification for this mayhem, and my thoughts are with those who have lost their homes and the greater number who are feeling intimidated and unwelcome. I understand there are community concerns regarding an alleged serious sexual assault. There are legitimate ways to express those concerns. Street violence is not one of them.' Sinn Féin MP (Member of Parliament) John Finucane has condemned the attacks. 'The racist attacks on a number of homes near the Ballysillan area last night were abhorrent, and my thoughts are with those families affected. Sickening behaviour such as this has no place in our society,' Finucane said in a statement shared via social media on Wednesday morning. 'I will be contacting the families affected to ensure they receive the support they need in the time ahead. Racism, wherever it occurs, must be stamped out and faced down through strong leadership in our communities.' Northern Ireland's Justice Minister Naomi Long has also expressed her concerns over the 'disturbing scenes' from Ballymena. '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 tensions. Those involved will be pursued and held accountable for their actions.' Contact us at letters@
Time Magazine
11-06-2025
- Time Magazine
What to Know About the Northern Ireland Riots as Police Use Water Cannon Amid Petrol Bombs and Chaos
For a second night in a row, riots rocked the town of Ballymena in Northern Ireland on Tuesday, lasting into the early hours of Wednesday morning. Protesters used petrol bombs and fireworks as they clashed with the authorities. In response, police used plastic baton rounds and a water cannon. The overnight disruption in Ballymena, situated north of the capital Belfast, resulted in the injury of 17 police officers, with some requiring hospital treatment. Five people were arrested on suspicion of riotous behavior, according to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). Police have said that across both nights of rioting, businesses and homes have been 'attacked and damaged,' adding that more vehicles were set alight on Tuesday evening, as tensions escalated. A number of protests also took place in other towns and cities across Northern Ireland, including Belfast, Lisburn, and Newtownabbey. Here's what to know about the ongoing unrest in Ballymena. What prompted the riots in Northern Ireland? The disorder started on Monday, June 9, after a peaceful protest took place in the town of Ballymena over an alleged sexual assault that police say took place the previous Saturday. Earlier on Monday, two 14-year-old boys appeared at Coleraine Magistrates' Court in relation to the assault. The boys are charged with attempted oral rape. Both deny the charges. The boys appeared via videolink from a juvenile center, and confirmed their names and ages via a Romanian translator. Later in the day, hundreds of people —including men, women and children—peacefully protested the ongoing case in the town centre of Ballymena. Separate riots then began in the town on Monday night, as police reported a number of 'missiles' thrown at officers and properties nearby being damaged. Chief Superintendent Sue Steen issued a plea to the public on Monday night, saying: 'We are urging everyone to remain calm and to act responsibly. Violence and disorder will only place people at greater risk.' How long are the riots expected to last? Speaking to the BBC's Nolan Show on Wednesday morning, assistant chief constable Ryan Henderson said that more disorder is expected. 'We are absolutely prepared that we may see more of this in the coming days,' he said.'Given that we have seen it now for two nights and the severity has maintained over both nights, we are certainly preparing that we may face similar tonight.' Henderson urged the public to stay at home on Wednesday evening. Meanwhile, Sky News correspondent Connor Gillies, who is in Ballymena, said that some families are 'barricading themselves' in their attics amid the escalating violence. "The talk here in this town is that it could go on for weeks yet," he said. How have police responded? In response to the first night of rioting, Henderson said during a press conference: 'This violence was clearly racially-motivated and targeted at our minority ethnic community and the police. It was racist thuggery purely and simply, and any attempt to justify or explain it as anything else is misplaced.' The BBC has reported that some households have put up signs signifying the ethnicity or nationality of its residents, seemingly in an effort to remain out of harm's way. One photo showed a sign above a door reading 'Filipino lives here.' In a statement released on Wednesday in response to the second night of chaos, chief constable Jon Boutcher called the riots 'mindless violence' and that it was "deeply concerning and utterly unacceptable." 'These criminal acts not only endanger lives but also risk undermining the ongoing criminal justice process led by the [police] in support of a victim who deserves truth, justice, and protection,' Boutcher said. '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.' The chief constable also thanked the police officers tasked with handling and responding to the riots, adding that he believes the PSNI is 'critically underfunded.' 'Despite operating under immense financial pressure—far greater than that faced by other public services in Northern Ireland or police forces across the UK and in the Republic of Ireland—our officers continue to display unwavering professionalism, courage, and resolve,' Boutcher added. What have politicians said about the riots? British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called the disorder in Ballymena 'very concerning,' saying that there is 'no justification' for the damage and injuries caused. 'The reports of sexual assault in the area are extremely distressing, but there is no justification for attacks on police officers while they continue to protect local communities,' said a Downing Street spokesperson. "PSNI and the justice system must be allowed to carry out their jobs and our thoughts are with the victims of the assault as well as the police officers who were injured." Michelle O'Neill, Northern Ireland's First Minister, has called for an immediate end to 'the racist and sectarian attacks on families across the North and the rioting in Ballymena.' Speaking out via social media on Wednesday morning, she said: '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.' Leader of the Northern Irish Unionist Ulster Party Mike Nesbitt, who also serves as Health Minister, said: 'There is no justification for this mayhem, and my thoughts are with those who have lost their homes and the greater number who are feeling intimidated and unwelcome. I understand there are community concerns regarding an alleged serious sexual assault. There are legitimate ways to express those concerns. Street violence is not one of them.' Sinn Féin MP (Member of Parliament) John Finucane has condemned the attacks. 'The racist attacks on a number of homes near the Ballysillan area last night were abhorrent, and my thoughts are with those families affected. Sickening behaviour such as this has no place in our society,' Finucane said in a statement shared via social media on Wednesday morning. 'I will be contacting the families affected to ensure they receive the support they need in the time ahead. Racism, wherever it occurs, must be stamped out and faced down through strong leadership in our communities.' Northern Ireland's Justice Minister Naomi Long has also expressed her concerns over the 'disturbing scenes' from Ballymena. '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 tensions. Those involved will be pursued and held accountable for their actions.'
Rhyl Journal
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Rhyl Journal
Tensions in Ballymena building for some time, MP says after police attacked
Police have appealed for calm after serious disorder broke out in the Co Antrim town on Monday night, with masked youths attacking police and properties damaged. North Antrim MP Mr Allister said tensions had been growing over immigration, adding that the violence followed a peaceful protest in support of the family of a girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the town at the weekend. Two 14-year-old boys appeared in court on Monday charged with attempted rape. The charges were read to the teenagers by a Romanian interpreter. Monday's violence occurred in the Clonavon Terrace area with social media footage showing protesters burning plastic road barriers and bins as part of a barricade on the street. Some masked individuals also threw missiles including cans of paint and glass bottles at PSNI vehicles. A line of police vehicles advanced towards the protesters followed by officers on foot. Firefighters later responded to the burning debris on the road and inspected a nearby house which had filled with smoke. Other footage appeared to show some protesters targeting houses by smashing windows. TUV leader Mr Allister said: 'Within Ballymena there has been rising concerns about the sheer scale of migration into the town and that would have been a factor in the wholly peaceful protest. 'All that to be distinguished from the wanton violence which then followed, with obviously a minority of that peaceful crowd wanting to take advantage of that to visit violence which wasn't wanted or warranted, hence the scenes that we saw. 'It is very distressing to see scenes of violence on the streets of Ballymena.' Mr Allister said tensions have been building in the town 'for a considerable period of time'. He added: 'It is easier to start than to stop these things. There has been a bit of authorities not wanting to face up to the racial background of some of this over the years. 'That unchecked migration which is beyond what the town can cope with, is a source of past and future tensions; that is the reality of it.' 'Those who came onto the street last night in the main had a perfectly legitimate purpose and cause of being there.' 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.' In a statement on Monday night, the PSNI said a number of missiles had been thrown towards police with damage reported to a number of properties. It said officers would remain in the area to monitor the situation. Chief Superintendent Sue Steen 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.' The PSNI asked anyone with information to contact them on 101 or online via Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at
Hans India
10-06-2025
- Hans India
Ireland: Petrol bombs hurled at police after alleged sexual assault of girl
Violence erupted in Ireland as protesters threw petrol bombs at police officers and set homes on fire, outraged over a sexual assault incident. The unrest followed after the court appearance of the two teenage boys charged with the attempted rape of a teenage girl in the Ballymena town of County Antrim region, according to media reports. According to the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the police officers were attacked with a number of missiles and extensive damage was reported to various properties. Chief Superintendent Sue Steen urged locals 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," she said. According to the Irish media outlet RTE News, the two teenagers charged with attempted rape in connection with a serious sexual assault on a teenage girl in Ballymena on Saturday evening presented before the court virtually. Both are Romanians and spoke through an interpreter during court proceedings. Meanwhile, District Judge Peter King remanded the two teenagers in custody until a further hearing before a youth court in Ballymena on July 2. Reports suggest that thousands of people gathered in Ballymena at a protest in connection with the ongoing court sexual assault case. The peaceful protest eventually turned violent as public disorder broke out in Ballymena. Later, chaos broke out in the streets of the town as masked youths attacked police vehicles and threw projectiles at officers. Furthermore, protestors were engaged in arson and vandalising property by smashing windows. The footage circulating on social media captured a masked man throwing an object at a police van as onlookers stood by. Thick black smoke filled the sky as flames engulfed an area near a house with shattered windows.
North Wales Chronicle
10-06-2025
- Politics
- North Wales Chronicle
Tensions in Ballymena building for some time, MP says after police attacked
Police have appealed for calm after serious disorder broke out in the Co Antrim town on Monday night, with masked youths attacking police and properties damaged. North Antrim MP Mr Allister said tensions had been growing over immigration, adding that the violence followed a peaceful protest in support of the family of a girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the town at the weekend. Two 14-year-old boys appeared in court on Monday charged with attempted rape. The charges were read to the teenagers by a Romanian interpreter. Monday's violence occurred in the Clonavon Terrace area with social media footage showing protesters burning plastic road barriers and bins as part of a barricade on the street. Some masked individuals also threw missiles including cans of paint and glass bottles at PSNI vehicles. A line of police vehicles advanced towards the protesters followed by officers on foot. Firefighters later responded to the burning debris on the road and inspected a nearby house which had filled with smoke. Other footage appeared to show some protesters targeting houses by smashing windows. TUV leader Mr Allister said: 'Within Ballymena there has been rising concerns about the sheer scale of migration into the town and that would have been a factor in the wholly peaceful protest. 'All that to be distinguished from the wanton violence which then followed, with obviously a minority of that peaceful crowd wanting to take advantage of that to visit violence which wasn't wanted or warranted, hence the scenes that we saw. 'It is very distressing to see scenes of violence on the streets of Ballymena.' Mr Allister said tensions have been building in the town 'for a considerable period of time'. He added: 'It is easier to start than to stop these things. There has been a bit of authorities not wanting to face up to the racial background of some of this over the years. 'That unchecked migration which is beyond what the town can cope with, is a source of past and future tensions; that is the reality of it.' 'Those who came onto the street last night in the main had a perfectly legitimate purpose and cause of being there.' 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.' In a statement on Monday night, the PSNI said a number of missiles had been thrown towards police with damage reported to a number of properties. It said officers would remain in the area to monitor the situation. Chief Superintendent Sue Steen 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.' The PSNI asked anyone with information to contact them on 101 or online via Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at
