Violent Disorder Erupts in Ballymena: Police Under Attack, Houses and Cars Set Ablaze

Unrest broke out in Ballymena, a town in Northern Ireland, on Monday night and continued into Tuesday night, with police coming under attack from masked protesters hurling fireworks, glass bottles, and metal objects. The violence, which started after a peaceful protest in support of a girl allegedly sexually assaulted in the area, has left 32 police officers injured, including 17 on Tuesday night, and five people arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour. The community has been left reeling, with ethnic minorities appearing to be targeted, and residents displaying signs in their windows to show their nationalities.

Key Takeaways:

• The unrest started after a peaceful protest in support of the family of a girl allegedly sexually assaulted in the area.
• Two 14-year-old boys have appeared in court charged with attempted rape, with a third arrest made on Monday night.
• The attacks on police officers and vandalism are described as "racist thuggery" by a senior police officer.
• A 29-year-old man was charged with riotous behaviour, and five others were arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour.
• Police officers from England and Wales will be brought to Northern Ireland if needed to help the PSNI.
• A heavy police presence remains in Ballymena following the second night of disorder, while work starts to clear the streets of debris and repair damage to homes and businesses.

Statistics:

• 32 police officers injured, including 17 on Tuesday night.
• 5 people arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour.
• 2 14-year-old boys charged with attempted rape.
• 1 29-year-old man charged with riotous behaviour.
• Hundreds of people had gathered from around 7pm on Tuesday night.

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