The town of Ballymena, located 25 miles north of Belfast, experienced a second night of unrest on Tuesday as anti-immigrant violence escalated. Demonstrators attacked police with bricks, bottles, and fireworks, while setting vehicles ablaze, according to authorities.
In response, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) deployed water cannons and plastic baton rounds to disperse the crowd of several hundred protesters.
Origin of the Ballymena Riots
The unrest began Monday after a peaceful march was held to support the family of a victim in an alleged sexual assault case over the weekend. Two 14-year-old boys have been charged, though their identities remain protected due to their age.
The presence of a Romanian interpreter supporting the accused boys in court has led to increased racial tension in the community, fueling the violent backlash.
Properties Torched, Officers Injured
On the first night of the Ballymena riots, several homes were set on fire, intensifying fears among residents and prompting a strong police response. The PSNI confirmed that 15 officers were injured in the disturbances.
Police Condemn Racially Motivated Violence
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson strongly condemned the incidents, calling the riots a form of racially motivated disorder.
“Any attempt to justify or explain it as something else is misplaced,” Henderson said. “This violence must be loudly condemned by all right-thinking people.”
Authorities confirmed they are actively working to identify those responsible for the attacks and arson.
Rising Tensions Over Immigration in Northern Ireland
The Ballymena riots reflect a broader trend of rising anti-immigrant sentiment across parts of Northern Ireland. Officials and human rights groups have urged communities to avoid inflaming racial tensions and to allow justice to proceed without mob retaliation.
