Protests in the Northern Irish town of Ballymena escalated into violent riots yesterday, leaving fifteen police officers injured, some requiring hospital treatment. The unrest followed allegations of a sexual assault involving two 14-year-old boys, who appeared in court earlier in the day. The boys, whose statements were translated by a Romanian interpreter, denied the charges.
Local reports indicate that masked individuals threw Molotov cocktails, stones, and fireworks at officers, while homes and businesses were set ablaze or vandalized. Two police vehicles were also damaged. Authorities have labeled the attacks as racially motivated, with tensions running high in the community.
After a peaceful vigil and protest march, a splinter group of masked individuals began constructing barricades and attacking buildings in the area where the alleged assault occurred. Social media footage shows windows being smashed and attempts to set fire to curtains. Three residents were evacuated from targeted homes, and fires were later extinguished by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.
A 29-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the riots. Northern Ireland Justice Minister Naomi Long condemned the violence, stating, "There is no place for this kind of disorder in our society." Police Assistant Chief Inspector Ryan Henderson echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the injuries and property damage caused. A criminal investigation is underway, and additional officers have been deployed to the area.
