Families sought refuge in attics and wardrobes during a wave of violent unrest in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, as described by the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). This turmoil unfolded over three days and resulted in injuries to 41 officers and the arrest of 15 individuals. The unrest erupted after a peaceful protest regarding an alleged sexual assault in County Antrim on Monday. Chief Constable Jon Boutcher labeled the incidents as “racist” and condemned the actions of those threatening families who are different from themselves, stating, “that is racism.”
On Thursday evening, approximately 100 individuals gathered for an anti-racism protest in west Belfast. The event, attended by representatives from NIPSA and People Before Profit, proceeded without incident, although some attendees wore black face coverings. In Portadown, a heavier police presence was noted, with around 400 protesters gathering, police vehicles lining the main street, and officers in riot gear blocking several roads. While the protest was peaceful, tensions remained palpable, prompting a police helicopter to monitor the situation. Earlier, residents of a housing association received warnings to leave their homes and secure their properties ahead of the protest. Police continued to maintain a strong presence in Ballymena, particularly in areas previously affected by violence, yet reports indicated that rioters had largely stayed away after three troubled nights.
In earlier statements, Mr. Boutcher noted that the initial peaceful protest was “hijacked” on Monday evening, necessitating police and fire service assistance to families who were innocent victims of the chaos. He stated, “We stand absolutely shoulder to shoulder with the diverse communities in Northern Ireland. These bigots and racists will not win the day.” The original protest was organized shortly after two teenage boys appeared in court in Coleraine, where they communicated through an interpreter to confirm their identities. Mr. Boutcher revealed that a third suspect has been identified and will be brought back into the jurisdiction for prosecution. He emphasized that the family of the young girl involved desires an end to the violence, as she has been “further traumatized by what has happened over the last three nights.”
The Chief Constable condemned the violent acts, describing them as “racist thuggery, pure and simple,” and aimed at both ethnic minorities and law enforcement. Officers enduring these attacks faced petrol bombs, heavy masonry, bricks, and fireworks. He urged the perpetrators to cease their actions, warning of impending prosecutions. “Don’t come out onto the streets tonight. If you do we will police you, and we will deal with you through the criminal justice system. We’ll be releasing images of those responsible. We will be going after them,” he stated, as three young individuals were remanded in custody in connection with disturbances.
Outreach worker Jody Esguerra, assisting the Filipino community, relayed reports of families terrified in their homes, surrounded by mobs and protesters attempting to invade. “They’re scared for their lives,” he remarked, emphasizing their feeling of being unwelcome. A family recounted waking to loud noises as projectiles were hurled at their door, prompting them to hide in fear.
Mukesh Sharma, the chair of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, remarked on the violence, stating, “This violence is racism – pure and simple.” He lamented the “mindless violence that is simply wrecking communities,” asserting that it needs to end before someone is severely harmed.
The PSNI announced that additional officers would be deployed in affected areas, requesting support from Police Scotland under mutual aid arrangements. In Larne, masked youths set fire to a leisure center on Wednesday, which had been providing emergency shelter to families following earlier clashes. Incidents of unrest have also been reported in Carrickfergus, Coleraine, north Belfast, and Newtownabbey. Olympic swimmer Danielle Hill characterized the disorder as “racism in its rawest.”