The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said today, Wednesday, June 11, that it condemns "the disgraceful scenes of violence on the streets" on Tuesday night.
On Wednesday morning, the PSNI said that on Tuesday night, "police officers came under sustained attack over a number of hours with multiple petrol bombs, heavy masonry, bricks and fireworks in their direction."
The attacks were described by the PSNI as the "second night of rioting and disorder" in the Clonavon Terrace area of Ballymena, Co Antrim.
The PSNI said that earlier on Tuesday evening, officers attended protests in Belfast, Lisburn, Coleraine, and Newtownabbey to monitor the situation and ensure an appropriate and proportionate policing response.
In Carrickfergus, two bins were set alight and bottles and masonry thrown at police in the Sunnylands area by a group of 20-30 young people at around 8:30 pm.
In Newtownabbey, bins were set alight at the roundabout on O’Neill Road.
During the course of the serious disorder in Ballymena, authorised officers discharged a number of Attenuating Energy Projectiles (AEPs), and the water cannon was also deployed in an attempt to disperse the crowds.
Businesses and homes were attacked and damaged, and a number of vehicles were also set on fire in the area.
The PSNI said that 17 officers were injured, with some requiring hospital treatment.
Five people were arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour and remained in police custody as of Wednesday morning.
A male was also arrested on suspicion of disorderly behaviour on the O’Neill Road in Newtownabbey.
A number of nearby roads were closed by police to ensure the safety of the public and local residents, and to enable officers to deal with the situation and disorder safely. All roads were subsequently reopened.
Tuesday was the second night of disorder in Ballymena after unrest erupted on Monday evening following what had begun as a peaceful vigil.
Monday's vigil is understood to have been organized in response to the alleged rape of a teenage girl in Clonavon Terrace, in Ballymena, on Saturday.
According to the BBC, two teenage boys appeared in Coleraine Magistrates' Court via videolink from Woodlands Juvenile Centre on Monday morning, charged with attempted oral rape. They both deny the charges.
There was no application for bail, and they were both remanded in custody until July 2, when they are due to appear by videolink at the youth court at Ballymena Magistrates' Court.
On Tuesday, the PSNI outlined the unrest in Ballymena on Monday night, which saw 15 officers injured and a number of homes and businesses damaged.
"Four houses were damaged by fire, with three people evacuated," the PSNI said on Tuesday. "The attacks on these properties are being investigated as racially-motivated hate attacks."
A 29-year-old man was arrested during Monday night's disorder, with the PSNI confirming on Tuesday that he had 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 3, PSNI said.
"Mindless violence"
Speaking after the second night of unrest, PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said on Wednesday: “The mindless violence witnessed over the past two nights in Ballymena is deeply concerning and utterly unacceptable.
"These criminal acts not only endanger lives but also risk undermining the ongoing criminal justice process led by the PSNI in support of a victim who deserves truth, justice, and protection.
“Ironically, and frustratingly, this violence threatens to derail the very pursuit of justice it claims to challenge.
"Let me be clear: this behaviour must stop. I appeal to everyone involved to cease all further acts of criminality and disorder immediately.
“As with any serious offenders in Northern Ireland, we will pursue those responsible and bring them to justice. We will now begin our investigation of reviewing all evidence gathered, including video footage, and Images of the individuals involved will be released to identify offenders.
“Do not throw away your future and do not continue to endanger or intimidate the lives of others.
“To those who have been threatened or affected by this violence: we are with you. You deserve safety and justice, and we will find and prosecute those responsible. Hate-fuelled acts and mob rule do nothing but tear at the fabric of our society—they resolve nothing and serve no one."
Boutcher thanked the women and men of the PSNI, noting that they are operating under "immense financial pressure."
He said that he will be "making arrangements to activate mutual aid resources to ensure we have the necessary support to maintain public order and bring offenders to justice."
He added: “The PSNI is a cornerstone of our society’s peace and security. It is time it was treated—and funded—accordingly.”
"Racially-motivated hate crimes" in North Belfast
Also on Wednesday, the PSNI said that officers in north Belfast are investigating reports of criminal damage and arson over the course of Tuesday evening.
Chief Inspector Mullan said: “A number of homes and vehicles throughout the north of the city – in Buttermilk Loney, Silverstream Road, Woodvale Avenue and Oakley Street - were damaged with windows smashed.
"Also in Oakley Street, three properties sustained damage after a car was set alight.
"Shortly afterwards, in Silverstream Gardens, two vehicles were deliberately set alight, while a motorbike was destroyed in an arson attack in Florence Court.
"In Legann Street, another car was set alight and two houses had windows smashed.
“At this time, all incidents are being treated as racially-motivated hate crimes.
"We absolutely condemn these disgraceful attacks on our minority ethnic friends and neighbours. Those responsible are endangering not only the lives of those inside the properties, but putting themselves at risk of injury.
“Our investigations are ongoing, and local officers are working to identify all those involved in this incident.
"Make no mistake, we are treating these incidents exceptionally seriously. We will pursue those responsible and ensure they face justice through our courts. We will continue to engage closely with partner agencies and local advocacy groups as enquiries continue."
The PSNI said reports can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via PSNI.Police.uk/makeareport/, or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org/.
Photos and footage, including CCTV, mobile phone, or dash cam footage from the disorder in Ballymena can be shared with police through the Major Incident Public Portal at MIPP.Police.uk/operation/PSNI25U11-PO1.
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