Ballymena Disorder: Chaos and Violence Leave 17 Officers Injured and 6 People Arrested

Disorder and rioting in Ballymena, Co Antrim, have left 17 police officers injured and 6 people arrested, with businesses and homes damaged and vehicles set on fire. The situation was brought under control after a night of intense violence, with police deploying Attenuating Energy Projectiles (AEPs) and a water cannon to disperse the crowds.

Key Takeaways:

• 17 police officers were injured, with some requiring hospital treatment, during the disorder in Ballymena.
• 6 people were arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour and remain in police custody.
• Businesses and homes were attacked and damaged, and several vehicles were set on fire.
• The police deployed AEPs and a water cannon to disperse the crowds and restore order.
• Chief Constable Jon Boutcher appealed for an end to the violence and disorder, stating that it was "deeply concerning and utterly unacceptable."
• The PSNI has been critically underfunded since 2010, with resourcing levels being "inadequate" and "dangerous."
• Mutual aid resources are being activated to support the PSNI in maintaining public order.
• Residents and those who have been threatened or affected by the violence are urged to report incidents using the non-emergency reporting form or Crimestoppers.

Statistics:

• 17 police officers were injured in the disorder in Ballymena.
• 6 people were arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour.
• 5 vehicles were set on fire.
• 2 bins were set alight in Carrickfergus.
• 1 bin was set alight at the roundabout on O'Neill Road in Newtownabbey.
• A male was arrested on suspicion of disorderly behaviour on O'Neill Road in Newtownabbey.

Sources:

• [Read more: Ballymena Disorder: Here are 21 images of what happened in the town last night (https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/crime/ballymena-disorder-here-are-21-images-of-what-happened-in-the-town-last-night-5169733)]