Ballymena Riots: Disorder After Assault Allegation | NI
- Ballymena,Northern ireland,experienced public disorder Monday evening as crowds gathered near the site of an alleged sexual assault.Police reported that officers were targeted with missiles, and several properties sustained...
- The unrest followed an earlier protest in the town, located about 30 minutes from Belfast.
- Local media outlets reported that some protesters wore masks and threw masonry.A police vehicle reportedly had two windows smashed during the incident.
public disorder has erupted in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, following an alleged sexual assault, resulting in missiles thrown at police and property damage. Protests unfolded after two teenage boys were charged,prompting police to urge calm. This unrest in Ballymena, about 30 minutes from Belfast, saw masked protesters and damage to a police vehicle, as authorities investigate the role of social media in the event. Chief Superintendent Sue Steen emphasized the priority is safety, urging the community to cooperate in restoring peace. The clonavon Road area remains a focus as investigations continue into the sexual assault and subsequent public disorder. For more evolving developments, News Directory 3 is your source. discover what’s next in this developing story.
Public Disorder Erupts in Ballymena After Sexual Assault Case
Updated June 10,2025
Ballymena,Northern ireland,experienced public disorder Monday evening as crowds gathered near the site of an alleged sexual assault.Police reported that officers were targeted with missiles, and several properties sustained damage.
The unrest followed an earlier protest in the town, located about 30 minutes from Belfast. Authorities had advised both drivers and pedestrians to avoid the Clonavon Road area as they worked to monitor the situation and maintain order.
Local media outlets reported that some protesters wore masks and threw masonry.A police vehicle reportedly had two windows smashed during the incident. The role of social media in organizing the protest is under investigation.
The protests began after two teenage boys appeared in court following a reported serious sexual assault in the Clonavon Road area. Detectives investigating the assault on a teenage girl in the Clonavon Terrace area of Ballymena charged the two boys Sunday, according to police.
“We are urging everyone to remain calm and to act responsibly,” said Chief Superintendent Sue Steen. “Violence and disorder will onyl place people at greater risk. Our priority is to keep the community safe, and I would appeal to everyone to work with us to bring calm to the area as quickly as possible.”
What’s next
Police will maintain a presence in the area to prevent further public disorder and are continuing their investigation into both the sexual assault and the related unrest. The community’s response will be closely monitored.