The man, bizarrely wearing what looked like a Roman soldier’s helmet, was seen charging at officers, taunting them, gesturing wildly and spinning in circles just feet from the water cannons
Around 2,500 people swarmed the Harryville area on Tuesday night following the arrest of two teenage boys charged with attempted rape after an incident in Clonavon Terrace on Saturday, June 7.
As the atmosphere grew heated, riot police and water cannons were deployed to control the masses – but not everyone was deterred.
In a bizarre twist, a man in an electric wheelchair, sporting what appeared to be a Roman soldier’s helmet, was seen confronting officers, making wild gestures, and spinning circles mere feet from the water jets.
The odd spectacle was captured on video and exploded online after being shared on X (formerly Twitter), leaving users baffled.
Mark Briton commented: “An old soldier is never caught; he knows all the tricks.”, reports the Daily Star.
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Reboot Britain added their voice: “It’s nuts”.
Martin Lay remarked: “The state of modern Ulster”.
Edmund Miller observed: “Bloke has a Roman helmet whilst on his metal steed.”
In another unexpected turn, a protester seemed to accidentally set himself on fire while trying to throw a petrol bomb.
Violence in Ballymena Northern Ireland tonight. Petrol bombs thrown at police – sometimes it backfires
LINK:
https://x.com/SwainITV
The demonstration had started off calmly as residents expressed their outrage over the alleged sexual assault.
However, the situation escalated as riot police took positions and water cannons were readied to manage the swelling crowd.
PSNI vehicles cordoned off roads as riot police in full body armour stepped in. Protesters hurled fireworks, glass bottles, metal objects, and abuse at the officers.
A car was torched near a car wash and tyre centre, one of several fires ignited across the area.
Police fired plastic baton rounds and deployed powerful water cannons to disperse the mob.
Windows were shattered in multiple homes, and one protester’s clothing caught fire amidst the chaos.
Shocking scenes also revealed young children among the crowds, standing near the frontlines as fireworks detonated and water jets sprayed into the night.
The two teenage suspects are currently being held in custody and are expected to appear in court in the coming days.
Police are maintaining vigilance in Ballymena amid concerns of further unrest.