‘Someone is going to be killed' – 17 police officers injured and six people arrested after second night of violence in Northern Ireland

Irish Independent

11-06-2025

A further 17 police officers were injured following attacks by what has been called 'a baying mob with fireworks, masonry and petrol bombs'. None of those officers were hospitalised but it brings the number of injured police across two nights of violence to 33.
Liam Kelly, chair of the Police Federation for NI, said: "I want to condemn again what has happened the last couple of nights not only in Ballymena but, as we've seen, extended into other areas as well. It's completely deplorable that this is happening. We need these attacks to stop, and stop very quickly.'
Calm was restored to the Ballymena area after 1am. Disorder broke out shortly before 8pm and continued for several hours, with masonry and petrol bombs thrown at police officers and police vehicles.
A number of homes and businesses were also attacked.
During the disorder, a water cannon was deployed in an attempt to disperse the crowds, with officers also discharging a number of baton rounds.
A car in north Belfast has been set alight while more than 20 baton rounds were fired by police at rioters in Ballymena last night.
Some residents in Ballymena are marking doors to display their nationality while two water cannons are also at the scene of the ongoing 'serious disorder'.
At least four armoured vehicles have been deployed in the Clonavon area as masked youths attacked officers in a second night of violence in the Co Antrim town.
Unionist politicians have appealed for the violence to stop, with North Antrim MLA Paul Frew saying: "I fear that if this continues, someone is going to get killed."
DUP leader Gavin Robinson, speaking on BBC's Nolan Show, told those rioting to 'back off' and 'leave the people of Ballymena alone'.
He called for the violence to stop and referred to the peaceful vigil that preceded violence in the area on Monday night.
'They need to stop. They are destroying their own community, they are intimidating to the point of the end of their neighbours, they are not creating the space to have the arguments around the issues that have bothered them."
Petrol bombs, bricks and bottles are among the missiles thrown at police.
A PSNI spokesperson said at the time last night that the incident had escalated to 'serious disorder' and urged people to avoid the area.
'Police are currently dealing with serious disorder in the Clonavon Terrace area of Ballymena,' they said.
"Members of the public should avoid the area.'
Around 300 protesters gathered in the area, close to where a teenage girl was alleged to have been sexually assaulted at the weekend.
A peaceful vigil on Monday to support the girl and her family was followed by serious trouble.
Two boys, both 14, were arrested and later charged with the attempted oral rape of the girl on June 7.
Some Filipino workers in the area began putting stickers on their doors that declared their nationality, in an apparent bid to avoid attack.
Some people also displayed Union Jack flags, or hung them in windows.
Monday evening's violence resulted in 15 police officers suffering injuries with four homes in the area being set alight.
Police in Newtownabbey said: 'Following a protest at Cloughfern, colleagues are aware of a group of young people who appear intent on engaging in some form of disorder.
"So that we can avoid any allegation that we target local young people and attempt to criminalise them, I would ask for some assistance from friends, family or anyone with influence to help us protect these young people by diverting them away from the area and help us dispose of the fireworks to which they have gained access.'
Translink suspended bus services in several areas of Belfast due to protests.
Services on the Shore Road in north Belfast were at a standstill due to protesters blocking roadways along bus routes.
Bus services along the Ravenhill Road between the east and south of the city were also diverted towards the Ormeau Embankment due to demonstrations.
Protestors had blocked roads at Carlisle Circus, but have since dispersed.
It's understood a crowd of around 50 gathered at the area holding placards saying: 'Protect Our Children'.
Shankill Road bus services have since been restored, the public transport operator said.
A Translink spokesperson said: 'Metro 11 Shankill services have been restored. Shore road services currently suspended until further notice due to protests on the routes.
'Metro 6D services diverted out and in via the Ormeau Road via the Embankment due to a protest on the Ravenhill Road.'
A PSNI spokesperson said: "The Police Service of Northern Ireland is aware of several protests across Northern Ireland this evening, Tuesday 10th June. Officers are in attendance and will continue to monitor the situation."