Ballymena Pride: Slurry Incident Treated as Hate Crime
- antrim after being arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.The arrest follows an incident in which slurry was sprayed on a road in Ballymena.
- the police service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) reported that officers on patrol in the Granville Drive area spotted the slurry around 2:55 a.m.Saturday.
- Sian Mulholland, a North Antrim Alliance Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), strongly condemned the act. She emphasized that Saturday's Pride parade marks a historic moment for the...
A 19-year-old is in custody after a slurry incident in Ballymena, just before the town’s first Pride parade, which police are treating as a hate crime. Authorities swiftly apprehended the suspect, and investigations have launched to assess the situation’s complete scope and ensure public safety. Sian Mulholland, an MLA, condemned the act, emphasizing the parade’s meaning. The incident prompted immediate action, with authorities working to clean the parade route. Justice Minister Naomi Long expressed dismay, showing solidarity. News Directory 3 brings you the latest updates.Community leaders are calling for support. Discover what’s next as the parade proceeds.
Man Arrested After Slurry Incident Before Ballymena Pride Parade
A 19-year-old man is in custody in Co. antrim after being arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.The arrest follows an incident in which slurry was sprayed on a road in Ballymena. The incident occurred the night before the town’s inaugural Pride parade,raising concerns about community safety and the role of local law enforcement.
the police service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) reported that officers on patrol in the Granville Drive area spotted the slurry around 2:55 a.m.Saturday. The suspect was apprehended and is also being held on suspicion of possessing a blade or pointed object. Authorities are investigating the incident as a hate crime, and inquiries are ongoing to determine the full extent of the situation and ensure public health.
Sian Mulholland, a North Antrim Alliance Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), strongly condemned the act. She emphasized that Saturday’s Pride parade marks a historic moment for the town. “I want to unreservedly condemn those who spread slurry on the streets of Ballymena in advance of the town’s first-ever Pride parade today,” Mulholland said.
Mulholland added, “There is no place for this kind of nauseating and deliberate attempt to intimidate, disrupt, or shame those taking part in a peaceful and joyful festivity of love, identity, and community.” She confirmed that she had been in contact with both parade organizers and the PSNI. Discussions with the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council are underway to ensure the route is thoroughly cleaned and safe for all participants, addressing immediate health and safety concerns.
Stormont Justice Minister naomi Long voiced her dismay on X, stating, “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.”
What’s next
Investigations are ongoing, and authorities are working to ensure the Pride parade proceeds safely and peacefully.Community leaders are calling for unity and support for the LGBTQ+ community in Ballymena.