Riots in Ballymena: Police Urge Restraint Amid Chaos

The PSNI has appealed for calm after violence erupted on the streets of Ballymena on Monday night, which saw masked youths attacking police and several properties damaged.

Tensions Following Peaceful Protest

The tensions had followed an earlier peaceful protest in support of the family of a girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the Co Antrim town at the weekend. An estimated crowd of around 2,500 gathered in the Harryville area to vent their anger after the recent report of sexual assault in the town.

Violent Escalation

Social media footage shows 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. Other footage appeared to show some protesters targeting houses by smashing windows. It's understood that at least four houses were set on fire during the disorder. Around 10 police officers were injured in the serious disorder yesterday evening, which has been widely condemned.

Community Outcry

Speaking on Tuesday morning, the local MP for the area Jim Allister condemned the destruction as 'appalling' and 'absolutely wrong'. He highlighted growing concerns over immigration as a contributing factor to the tensions. Similarly, Stormont's Justice Minister Naomi Long expressed her outrage at the disorder, calling for a step back from such behavior before someone is seriously injured or worse.