Second young man arrested after slurry ‘hate crime' ahead of Ballymena Pride parade

Sunday World

14 hours ago

Police are treating the incident, which happened overnight on Friday into Saturday, as a hate crime
Mid and East Antrim Pride takes place in Ballymena. A protest was staged at the bandstand in the centre of the town by religious groups. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye
The parade took place for the first time in Ballymena.
Crowds at the Pride parade (left) after a clean up operation in Ballymena town centre (right)
A 20-year-old man has been arrested as part of the police investigation into an incident in which slurry was spread on the streets of Ballymena - hours before the town's first Pride parade.
Police are treating the incident, which happened overnight on Friday into Saturday, as a hate crime.
A 19-year-old man has already been charged in connection with the incident and is due to appear at Coleraine Magistrates Court on Monday.
Now in a statement on Sunday, the PSNI said they have also arrested a 20-year-old man.
A spokesperson added: 'Officers investigating an incident in which slurry was spread on a number of roads in Ballymena on Saturday 28th June, have arrested a 20 year old man.
'The man was arrested on Sunday morning on suspicion of criminal damage, aiding and abetting criminal damage and causing material to be deposited on a road and he remains in custody at this time.
'The matter is being treated as a hate crime and enquiries are ongoing.
"Anyone with information can contact police on 101, quoting reference number 191 of 28/06/25.'
The parade went ahead yesterday afternoon, with colourful scenes on the streets as hundreds of people took part.
Banners and rainbow flags were carried as the procession made its way through the town.
A small counter-protest was also staged, with some displaying religious messages on placards.
Political representatives led condemnation of the incident, with one MLA saying it was a 'disgusting' attempt to intimidate those taking part in the Pride parade.
Local people and businesses took part in a clean-up operation yesterday.
The Pride parade started at 2pm and finished up at Greenvale Street, which was one of the areas affected, an hour later.
Organisers said the event was an effort to celebrate "diversity, inclusion and cross-community unity.'
Scott Cuthbertson from The Rainbow Project thanked local businesses who helped clear the area ahead of the parade.
He branded the incident 'disgusting'.
Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland said 'There is no place for this kind of disgusting and deliberate attempt to intimidate, disrupt or shame those taking part in a peaceful and joyful celebration of love, identity and community.'
She added: 'Ballymena Pride is a historic and hopeful moment for our town. No amount of hate will drown out the message of inclusion, solidarity, and pride that today represents.'
Justice Minister Naomi Long said on X: 'I despair the mentality of those who spread slurry on the streets of their town motivated by hate and bigotry. Disgusting in every sense of the word.
'Solidarity to all at Ballymena Pride. It's a frightening time but love will always triumph over hate.'
UUP MLA Doug Beattie also condemned what happened.
Crowds at the Pride parade (left) after a clean up operation in Ballymena town centre (right)
News in 90 Seconds - June 29th
'I think this is appalling, stupid and a level of hatred not wanted by the majority of people in Ballymena,' he said.
Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan said: 'This is a disgraceful act, clearly intended to disrupt Ballymena's first pride parade and intimidate those taking part.'
SDLP councillor Séamas de Faoite said it was a 'shameful and targeted act of intimidation'.
Ahead of the parade, the PSNI said there would be an increased police presence in Ballymena 'to ensure everyone's safety'.
'Pride is an important event for those in our community who identify as LGBT+ and for those who want to show support for our LGBT+ community,' a spokesperson said.
'We want members of our LGBT+ communities in Mid and East Antrim to feel represented by their Police Service and to know that if they come forward to report an incident, they will be met with fairness and respect, particularly if they have been subject to hate crime in any form.'