Hate crime horror as slurry spread hours before town's first-ever Pride parade
Police have launched an investigation into the incident, with a 19-year-old man arrested and condemnation from politicians over the horrific incident hours before people take to the streets
Slurry was spread on the streets of a town just hours before its first Pride parade. An investigation has been launched after slurry was spread across Ballymena in Northern Ireland, hours before the first Pride parade in the town's history is set to start.
Police said a 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and possession of a bladed or pointed item. He remains in custody for questioning.
The incident has been condemned widely, with North Antrim Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland speaking out what happened this morning.
She said the Pride parade, due to take place on Saturday, will be the first in the town's history. I want to unreservedly condemn those who spread slurry on the streets of Ballymena ahead of the town's first-ever Pride parade today," she 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.
"I have spoken directly with the parade organisers and the PSNI, and our team has engaged with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to ensure cleansing takes place urgently and the route is made safe and welcoming for all.
"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.
"I would urge anyone with any information about the incident to contact police or report it anonymously via Crimestoppers."
At least one street on the parade route is believed to have been covered in faecal matter, with it leaving a foul stench in the town, Irish News reports.
Justice Minister Naomi Long wrote 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."
MLA Eoin Tennyson said on X: "Sending my support and solidarity to everyone attending Ballymena Pride today, after bigots spread slurry on the parade route. At a time when hard-won rights are under attack, vigilance and visibility matter more than ever. Love will always trump hate."
A PSNI spokesperson said: "Police in Ballymena have arrested a man after officers on patrol in the Granville Drive area observed slurry on the road at around 2.55am this morning.
'A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and possession of a blade/point. He remains in police custody at this time.
'The matter is being treated as a hate crime and enquiries are ongoing.'
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