Violence Erupts in Ballymena: Chaos, Rioting, and Police Clashes

Fireworks, petrol bombs, and other objects have been thrown at police during a second night of sustained disorder in Ballymena.

Riot Erupts in Ballymena

Riot police were deployed around the Clonavon Terrace area on Tuesday night as hundreds of people gathered in the Co Antrim town. PSNI vehicles formed barricades on some roads while riot police wearing armor and carrying shields stood nearby. Some protesters shouted abuse and threw objects at the police including glass bottles and pieces of metal. At one point a man on a mobility scooter drove towards police lines in a show of defiance.

Escalating Violence

At least two cars were set on fire as part of a number of blazes started by protesters. Police fired less-lethal rounds at some of those gathered and also used a water cannon to disperse the crowd.

Aftermath and Response

Multiple house windows were smashed during the unrest. PSNI moved protesters away from Clonavon Terrace towards the junction of Bridge Street and North Street. The disorder followed an earlier peaceful protest in support of the family of a girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the area. The scenes of violence were described as “racist thuggery” by a senior officer, and arrests have been made with the promise of further investigation.