The town of Ballymena in Northern Ireland witnessed violent riots following allegations of sexual assault against two 14-year-old boys. The police reported injuries among officers and significant property damage deemed racially motivated.
Unrest Erupts in Ballymena Over Sexual Assault Case
Unrest Erupts in Ballymena Over Sexual Assault Case
Riot in Northern Ireland leads to injuries and property damage amid protests against two charged boys.
Protests erupted in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, on Monday evening as tensions soared over the court case concerning two 14-year-old boys charged with sexually assaulting a teenage girl. The clashes resulted in law enforcement responding to a barrage of attacks that left 15 officers injured.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland condemned the chaos that unfolded, describing it as a sustained assault against their ranks. Rioters, often masked, reportedly launched Molotov cocktails, fireworks, and heavy objects at the police, igniting several homes and businesses in the area. The police emphasized that the damages to residential properties and shops appear to be racially motivated hate crimes.
The unrest followed an earlier court hearing where the two boys faced serious charges, including attempted oral rape. Both boys deny the allegations against them, which were presented with the assistance of a Romanian interpreter, indicating the complexity of the situation.
Initially, a demonstration scheduled for 7:30 PM was peaceful, drawing significant public interest. However, the atmosphere quickly escalated as masked individuals shifted into more aggressive tactics, erecting barricades and hurling projectiles at nearby buildings.
According to police reports, far-right groups and social media influencers fueled the unrest by amplifying the case's details. Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson strongly condemned the violence, urging those involved to reconsider their actions, as aggressive behavior only endangers the community.
Law enforcement has made one arrest, apprehending a 29-year-old male on charges related to rioting and other offenses. Meanwhile, authorities continue to investigate additional incidents, including a Molotov cocktail attack in the nearby village of Cullybackey, highlighting the pervasive unrest within the region.
