Ballymena: riot police deployed as fireworks are thrown during second night of disorder
Water cannon has also been used and baton rounds fired - 24 hours after 15 PSNI officers were injured and homes damaged when trouble broke out in the Co Antrim town
Last updated 11th Jun 2025
Fireworks and other objects were thrown at police in Ballymena tonight (Tuesday) - just 24 hours after serious disorder in the area.
Riot police wearing armour and carrying shields are in place around Clonavon Terrace in the Co Antrim town. Police dogs have also been deployed.
Police used water cannon and fired a number of baton rounds fired to disperse the crowd after coming under a sustained attack.
Hundreds gathered in the Co Antrim town for the second night running.
PSNI vehicles formed barricades on some roads.
Earlier, some protesters shouted abuse and threw objects at the police including glass bottles and pieces of metal.
It is understood a car was set on fire as part of a number of blazes started by protesters.
In a statement the PSNI said: "Police are currently dealing with serious disorder in the Clonavon Terrace area of Ballymena this evening, Tuesday 10th June.
"Members of the public should avoid the area. An update will be provided in due course."
Elsewhere, police dealt with what they said was "sporadic" disorder in Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus with some incidents in north Belfast.
It comes after violent disorder last night followed an earlier peaceful protest in support of the family of a girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the area.
Two 14-year-old boys appeared in court on Monday charged with attempted rape.
Meanwhile, a 29-year-old man, arrested during last night's disorder, has been charged with riotous behaviour, disorderly behaviour, attempted criminal damage and resisting police.
He is due to appear before Ballymena Magistrates' Court on Thursday, July 3rd.
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said: “We are actively working to identify those responsible for last night's racially- motivated disorder in Ballymena and bring them to justice. Over the coming days, we will have in place a significant policing presence to help protect these communities in Ballymena and prevent any future disorder.
“Anyone who has information or who can help identify those responsible is asked to contact police on 101.”
A report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/
Police said 15 officers were hurt in the disorder after being attacked with petrol bombs and chunks of masonry.
A number of homes and businesses were also targeted in what a senior police officer branded "racist thuggery, pure and simply".
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said the attacks in the Co Antrim town should be "loudly condemned by all right thinking people".