Written by Lisa Murimi
Seventeen police officers were injured during a second consecutive night of violent unrest in Ballymena, County Antrim, as tensions surrounding an alleged sexual assault spiraled into racially charged rioting.
Petrol bombs, bricks, and fireworks were hurled at officers, prompting the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to deploy baton rounds and a water cannon.
Cars were torched, windows smashed, and barricades set ablaze as the disorder, described by police as “racist thuggery,” raged from 8 p.m. Tuesday until the early hours of Wednesday.
The violence followed a protest that began peacefully on Monday after two Romanian teenagers appeared in court over an alleged sexual assault.
They denied the charges through interpreters. A third suspect was arrested but later released.
What started as a community demonstration quickly descended into chaos, targeting immigrant households and spreading fear.
Some residents posted signs declaring their nationality in a bid to avoid attack, while others, including a heavily pregnant woman, were evacuated by police. One family reportedly hid in their attic to escape the violence.
A 29-year-old man has been charged in connection with Monday’s unrest. Meanwhile, police also responded to sporadic disorder in Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus, and north Belfast.
Political leaders condemned the violence. DUP’s Paul Frew warned someone could be killed, while Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said there was “no justification.”
Justice Minister Naomi Long called the scenes “appalling.”
Tensions in the area have reportedly been rising due to concerns over immigration, with some political rhetoric fueling division. Sinn Féin and Alliance leaders urged calm and responsible leadership.
As Ballymena began cleaning up scorched streets on Wednesday, police urged residents to “reflect long and hard” on their actions, amid fears of further unrest.
