The PSNI earlier confirmed that 15 of its officers were injured, with some requiring hospital treatment as they appealed for calm following the disruption
Monday night’s chaotic unrest in Ballymena has been slammed as “racist thuggery, pure and simply” by a top police officer, ahead of a second night of violent protests that has already seen further petrol bombs lobbed at riot cops.
Assistant PSNI Chief Constable Ryan Henderson decried the attacks in the Co Antrim town which he said were “loudly condemned by all right thinking people”.
“Any attempt to justify or explain it as something else is misplaced,” he announced during a press briefing at Ballymena police station. ACC Henderson also expressed concern for the well-being of minority ethnic communities, who “feel fear,” ensuring a substantial police operation in the town for the days ahead to reassure them.
However, before sunset on Tuesday evening, disorder was already starting in Ballymena, with other protests staged across Northern Ireland following the court appearance of two 14-year-old boys yesterday (June 9) in relation with an alleged sexual assault in the town.
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ACC Henderson revealed that one individual has been arrested for the first night of unrest, with assurances of further arrests as video and online material is scrutinised by investigators, reports Belfast Live. “I would strongly urge anyone who was involved in yesterday’s disorder to reflect long and hard about their actions, they will have consequences,” he warned.
The senior officer also mentioned that reinforcements from England and Wales are on standby to assist PSNI if required following the Ballymena unrest. Although additional forces may be considered, ACC Henderson expressed confidence in PSNI’s current capabilities.
“Should I need any additionality, I’m absolutely assured that my colleagues in policing in England and Wales, the National Police Operation Centre, stand fast and ready to support should we need that support,” he elaborated.
The PSNI has confirmed that 15 of its officers sustained injuries, with some needing hospital care, as they called for peace in the wake of the unrest.
Two police vehicles were also damaged during the chaos, and several homes and businesses suffered damage, with windows and doors smashed. Four residences were set ablaze, leading to the evacuation of three individuals.
Authorities are treating these attacks as racially motivated hate crimes, and one arrest has been made so far.
In Clonavon Terrace, six houses had their windows shattered, and two of them have been cordoned off due to significant fire damage. The disorder on Monday followed the court appearance of two 14 year old boys charged with attempted rape.
The violence erupted in the Clonavon Terrace area, with social media footage showing protesters setting plastic road barriers and bins alight to form a barricade on the street.
Some masked individuals were seen hurling projectiles, including paint cans and glass bottles, at PSNI vehicles. A convoy of police vehicles advanced towards the protesters, followed by officers on foot.
Additional footage seemed to show some protesters vandalising houses by breaking windows.
As part of their ongoing investigation, the police are also looking into a report of arson in the Tobar Park area of Cullybackey in the early hours of Tuesday.
In the early hours, around 12:20am, a disturbing incident unfolded as a petrol bomb was hurled at a vehicle, setting it ablaze. The resulting damage extended to a nearby property, where a woman and two children were present.
Prior to this, Downing Street had condemned the violence in Ballymena, stating that it was unjustifiable.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman expressed concern over the disorder in Ballymena, saying: “The disorder we saw in Ballymena is very concerning. Obviously, the reports of sexual assault in the area are extremely distressing, but there is no justification for attacks on police officers while they continue to protect local communities.”
“PSNI and the justice system must be allowed to carry out their jobs and our thoughts are with the victims of the assault as well as the police officers who were injured.”
On Tuesday morning, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt paid a visit to homes in Clonavon Terrace that had been damaged in racially motivated attacks the previous night.
Minister Nesbitt voiced his support, saying: “It is a well-established fact within health and social care that without our international colleagues the entire system would collapse, so I want to stand in the first case in solidarity with colleagues from around the world who are working here.”
He acknowledged: “I understand people have concerns about immigration. There are legitimate ways to express those concerns – last night was not one of them. I stand also in solidarity with the blue lights, particularly the Fire and Rescue Service who had to deal with four house fires.
“Every house fire represents a serious risk to those firefighters. I would appeal to people to stop. It should not have started in the first place. It is wrong. If you have concerns talk to your politicians.”