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Ballymena, Northern Ireland – Violent unrest broke out in the Northern Irish town of
Ballymena on Monday evening following an alleged sexual assault that has
sparked outrage in the local community. Police reported that crowds gathered near
the scene of the incident, with some individuals throwing missiles at officers and
causing damage to property.
The disturbances followed a protest earlier in the evening, approximately 30
minutes from Belfast, where tensions escalated rapidly. Authorities have urged
residents to avoid the Clonavon Road area as officers remain on the scene to
monitor the situation.
Chief Superintendent Sue Steen of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI)
issued a plea for calm, stating, “We are urging everyone to remain calm and to act
responsibly. Violence and disorder will only place people at greater risk. Our
priority is to keep the community safe, and I would appeal to everyone to work
with us to bring calm to the area as quickly as possible.”
Unrest Follows Court Appearance of Two Teenage Boys
The unrest comes after two 14-year-old boys appeared in court earlier on Monday,
charged in connection with an alleged serious sexual assault on a teenage girl in
the Clonavon Terrace area of Ballymena. The incident reportedly occurred on
Saturday, prompting a swift police investigation.
Both boys, whose identities are protected due to their age, appeared via videolink
from Woodlands Juvenile Centre at Coleraine Magistrates' Court. They were
dressed in grey tracksuits and confirmed their names and ages through a
Romanian interpreter.
The charges against them include attempted oral rape, which they both deny. A
police constable told the court that she believed there was sufficient evidence to
connect the pair to the charge. No bail application was made, and the teenagers
were remanded in custody until July 2, when they are due to appear again via
videolink at Ballymena Magistrates' Court.
Protest Turns Violent as Crowds Gather
On Monday night, hundreds of protesters—including men, women, and children—
marched through Ballymena’s town center, moving along Larne Street and Queen
Street. Witnesses reported seeing masked individuals throwing masonry and other
projectiles at police. A police vehicle was also damaged, with two of its windows
smashed.
Local media described scenes of chaos as tensions flared, with some protesters
shouting slogans and demanding justice. The demonstration, which began as a
peaceful gathering, quickly escalated into disorder, leading to clashes with law
enforcement.
Residents in the area expressed mixed reactions. Some voiced anger over the
alleged crime, while others condemned the violence, fearing it would only worsen
community divisions.
Police Increase Presence Amid Fears of Further Unrest
In response to the disturbances, the PSNI has increased patrols in Ballymena,
particularly around Clonavon Road and nearby residential areas. Authorities have
warned that further violence could lead to arrests and additional charges.
Community leaders have also called for restraint, emphasizing the importance of
allowing the judicial process to proceed without interference.
“We understand the anger and frustration, but taking the law into one’s own hands
helps no one,” said a local councillor who asked not to be named. “We must trust
the legal system to deliver justice.”
Broader Context: Rising Tensions in Northern Ireland
The unrest in Ballymena comes amid heightened tensions in Northern Ireland,
where issues of crime, policing, and community relations remain sensitive. Recent
months have seen sporadic outbreaks of violence in various towns, often linked to
deep-seated social and political grievances.
Analysts suggest that incidents like the alleged sexual assault can act as
flashpoints, particularly in close-knit communities where trust in authorities may
be fragile.
What Happens Next?
As the two accused teenagers remain in custody, investigators continue to gather
evidence ahead of their next court appearance. Meanwhile, police are reviewing
footage of the disorder to identify those responsible for the violence.
Community outreach efforts are also underway, with local organizations working to
de-escalate tensions and prevent further clashes.
For now, Ballymena remains on edge, with residents hoping for a swift resolution—
both in the courts and on the streets.
