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The recent violent disorder in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, has left families frightened and forced to hide in attics and wardrobes, according to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Chief Constable, Jon Boutcher. The unrest followed three days of violence in Ballymena and other towns, resulting in 41 injured officers and 15 arrests. The turmoil originated after a peaceful protest in the County Antrim town over an alleged sexual assault.
Boutcher condemned the violence as “racist,” emphasizing the threat posed to families who are perceived as different. He highlighted the need to support diverse communities in Northern Ireland, denouncing the bigots and racists fueling the unrest. The initial protest in Ballymena occurred after two teenage boys faced charges in court related to the incident. Boutcher confirmed the arrest of two teenagers and the identification of a third suspect outside the jurisdiction.
The disorder, which escalated primarily in the Clonavon Terrace area of Ballymena, was characterized by racist attacks on ethnic minorities and law enforcement, involving the hurling of petrol bombs, masonry, bricks, and fireworks at police officers. Boutcher warned those involved to cease their actions and announced imminent prosecutions. He emphasized a strict approach by the criminal justice system and revealed that images of perpetrators would be released. Additionally, three young people were remanded into custody in relation to the disturbances.
Mukesh Sharma, the chair of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, condemned the violence as clear racism and expressed concern over the “scenes of vitriol and hatred” plaguing the streets. Stressing the urgent need to halt the violence to prevent loss of life or serious injuries, Sharma urged the community to come together against mindless acts of violence. The PSNI deployed additional officers in affected areas, with support from Police Scotland under mutual aid arrangements. Meanwhile, masked youths attacked a leisure centre in Larne, setting it ablaze and disrupting emergency shelter services following the clashes earlier in the week
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