Death is “only a petrol bomb away”, Amnesty International’s Northern Ireland director has said, as he warned the Ballymena riots had been stoked by disinformation on social media.
Patrick Corrigan decried the violence which has continued for a third day as “a racist pogrom” in which families have lost their homes and lives may soon be lost.
Immigrants and foreign businesses have been targeted in the trouble, which broke out on Monday following a peaceful vigil after an alleged sexual assault on a girl in the area. Rioters have destroyed homes and hurled petrol bombs, fireworks and even a hatchet at police. PSNI are investigating attacks on properties as racially motivated.
Corrigan called on politicians to speak truthfully about immigration, as while immigration had risen over the last decade, crime rates had fallen except for racially motivated hate crimes.
His calls echo those of Stormont justice minister Naomi Long, who warned that the “three-day festival of hate and destruction” needs to stop before someone loses their life as the injury toll has risen to 41.
Unrest has spread outside of Ballymena to towns like Coleraine and Larne, where a leisure centre was set alight by masked vandals who smashed windows.
Key Points
- Three people charged following disorder in Ballymena
- Where disorder has been reported in Northern Ireland as unrest continues
- Injury toll rises to 41
- Police request support from UK colleagues to deal with Ballymena violence
- What is behind the riots in Northern Ireland?
- Residents in Portadown warned to leave ahead of planned protest - report
Pictured: Riot police in Clonavon Road
15:45 , Bryony Gooch
'I live far from the violence, but even from where I am, I can still hear it until 2am'
15:13 , Bryony Gooch19-year-old Ballymena local Zuzanna has told The Independent that the impact of the riots is more widespread than anyone can realise.
“I would live quite far away from the violence, but even from where I am, I can still hear it, and up until two in the morning there's police sirens going off.
“I can only imagine what it's like living maybe more in the centre of town and you hear it coming closer and closer to you. And you just you don't know who's next and what's going to happen next.”
Residents in Portadown warned to leave ahead of planned protest - report
15:01 , Bryony GoochA housing association has warned its residents to leave their homes and take measures to protect their properties ahead of a planned protest in County Armagh.
Arbour Housing in Portadown sent a letter to residents stating Thursday’s demonstration in the town is “directed towards migrants, foreign nationals, and what are perceived as deviant behaviour”, according to the BBC.
The letter added that the demonstration could lead to an "unsafe situation" and advised them to "stay with family or friends during the protest".
Three teenagers charged following violence in Ballymena
14:46 , Bryony Gooch
How a peaceful protest erupted into nights of violence and rocked a Northern Irish community
14:30 , Bryony GoochAfter three nights of hate-filled violence, some terrified families in Ballymena have resorted to displaying their nationalities on their front door.
Signs proclaiming “locals live here” or “Filipino lives here” have been put up alongside Union Jack flags in a desperate bid to stop rioters from targeting their homes.
The violent disorder has been slammed as “racist thuggery” and “mob rule” by the Police Service of Northern Ireland, who told those threatened or affected by the attacks: “We are with you.”
Clashes erupted after a social media post was circulated advertising a peaceful protest at 7.30pm on Monday evening in response to an alleged serious sexual assault in the Country Antrim town on Saturday.
Amy-Clare Martin, Crime correspondent, reports:
How a peaceful protest in Ballymena erupted into nights of violence
'We are in the midst of a racist pogrom' says Amnesty International Northern Ireland Director
14:17 , Bryony GoochAmnesty International’s Northern Ireland director has said the racist violence in Ballymena is fuelled by disinformation and irresponsible political rhetoric.
“We are in the midst of a racist pogrom. Families have already lost their homes, and lives may soon be lost unless this violence ends now. We are only a petrol bomb away from someone being killed.
“This violence is being fuelled by racist hatred - stoked by disinformation on social media and amplified by politicians who irresponsibly conflate immigration with crime and social issues which affect all communities.
“We need politicians to speak truthfully about immigration, not echo vague concerns from the streets or false claims on social media that profit off lies.
“According to the 2021 census, only 3.4 per cent people in Northern Ireland are from minority ethnic backgrounds. That means 96.6 per cent are not. We remain the whitest and least diverse part of the UK and Ireland.
“While immigration has gradually increased over the last decade, crime rates have fallen – except for racially motivated hate crime, which is now higher than sectarian hate crime. People from immigrant and minoritised communities are far more likely to be victims of hate crime than anyone else.
“Recent research from the Northern Ireland Assembly highlights migrant workers are vital in sustaining essential public services, including hospitals and community care.
“We must do more to protect their rights to live free from harassment and violence - we should recognise, thank, and celebrate them for their contributions to and enrichment of our communities.”
Recap: Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer condemns Ballymena violence
14:03 , Bryony GoochPrime minister Sir Keir Starmer has said he “utterly condemns” violence which left 32 police officers injured after the second night of disturbances.
Speaking during Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir condemned the “mindless attacks” against police.
“I utterly condemn the violence that we have seen overnight in Ballymena and in other parts of Northern Ireland, including against PSNI officers,” Sir Keir told MPs.
“It’s absolutely vital that the PSNI are given the time they need to investigate the incidents concerned rather than face mindless attacks as they seek to bring peace and order to keep people safe.”.
Watch: Leisure centre torched in third night of disorder in Ballymena
13:45 , Bryony Gooch'It’s terrifying to watch riots unfold in my hometown again'
13:39 , Kate Devlin, Whitehall EditorMore than 20 years ago I was shopping with my sister in a Spar in Ballymena on a hot summers day when a man walked in and announced that if the store did not close immediately he was going to burn it to the ground. We believed him.
My sister and I fled, went home and stayed indoors for the next few days.
That was during a previous swathe of rioting that erupted in towns like mine across Northern Ireland in the 1990s.
So it’s terrifying to watch riots unfold in my hometown again, as we have seen in recent days. A 30-minute drive from Belfast, Ballymena is often dubbed the “bible belt” of Northern Ireland.
A DUP heartland, whose MP was for many years the Rev Ian Paisley - as well as the hometown of Liam Neeson, its status as a prosperous market town helped during the years of the Troubles.
But, like all towns, it has suffered its share of atrocities in the past.In 2006 a Catholic teenager was beaten to death in an attack that started outside the local cinema, not all that far from where riots erupted this week.
A Catholic church in a Protestant area was the scene of loyalist protests for years in the late 1990s.
And, of course, violence erupted over Drumcree, a conflict about Protestant Orange Order parades close to Catholic areas.
But it’s been years since I’ve worried about looking up at the huge rolling news screens that populate newsrooms to see headlines about Ballymena.
Judge warns those involved in violence will be dealt with 'robustly'
13:24 , Bryony GoochA judge has said a strong message must be sent out that courts will deal “robustly” with those involved in violence in Ballymena.
District Judge Nigel Broderick warned that young people who got involved were risking a significant custodial sentence as three teenagers faced rioting charges at the town’s magistrates’ court on Thursday.
Michael Elliot, 18, of Lanntara, Ballymena, and two youths are the first defendants to appear in court since the sustained violence erupted in the Co Antrim town on Monday.
Meanwhile, two other teenage boys who were arrested during the disorder have been released on bail to allow for further police inquiries.
Pictured: A family whose home was attacked amid the Ballymena riots
13:15 , Bryony Gooch
What you need to know about Ballymena
13:02 , Bryony GoochBallymena is town which has a 30,000 population and is located a 30-minute drive from Belfast. It is the seventh largest town in Northern Ireland by population.
Tourist brochures have described it as a pretty shopping town, while other observers have described it as being at the heart of Northern Ireland’s bible belt.
Watch: Homes ruined in the wake of Ballymena violence
12:46 , Bryony GoochRecap: How did the riots start?
12:33 , Bryony GoochThe unrest started after a peaceful protest on Monday which was organised in support of the family of a girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the area.
In connection with the incident, two 14-year-old boys have appeared in court charged with attempted rape. The charges were read to the teenagers by a Romanian interpreter.
On Monday night, a third arrest was made, but the 28-year-old man was unconditionally released from police custody following questioning.
Pictured: Homes left smashed and charred after multiple nights of violence in Ballymena
12:21 , Bryony Gooch
Recap: What is happening in Ballymena?
12:12 , Bryony GoochOn Monday night, unrest broke out around Clonavon Terrace in Ballymena, where several houses had their windows smashed and two suffered significant smoke damage.
A total of 15 police officers were injured and several Police Service Northern Ireland vehicles targeted, as authorities attempted to stop the disorder.
Monday night’s violence was followed by further trouble on Tuesday night in the Clonavon Terrace, North Road and Bridge Street areas, where police came under attack from masked protesters throwing fireworks, glass bottles and pieces of metal.
Hundreds of people had gathered from around 7pm, with officers in amour firing plastic baton rounds at some of those gathered. Water cannons were also used. A total of 17 police officers were injured during the second night.
Five people were also arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour.
As rioters were dispersed into other parts of the town, a property on Bridge Street and a home on Queen Street were set on fire.
Multiple cars were also set alight as part of blazes set by rioters, including near a car wash and tyre centre off Bridge Street and on Larne Street.
Calm was restored by around 1am on Wednesday.
Olympic swimmer speaks of devastation after attack on leisure centre
12:01 , Bryony GoochOlympic swimmer Danielle Hill has spoken out after Larne leisure centre was set alight amid continued unrest in Northern Ireland.
On the third night of disorder on the streets of Ballymena, masked youths attacked Larne Leisure Centre, around 20 miles away, under the impression it was housing immigrant families who had been affected by violence.
Ms Hill, who competed in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris and the 2020 Games in Tokyo, spoke of her sadness at events in the town that “I have proudly represented on the world stage”.
Hill, who is a member of Larne Swimming Club and also coaches younger children at the club, said the leisure centre was a safe space for many people.
“No child should ever be forced to witness masked men in their home community,” she said.
“The local leisure centre is a safe place for so many, from young children (as young as six) learning to swim to elderly residents, has now been transformed into a place marked by fear and trauma.
“What unfolded last night was not just violence – it was racism in its rawest and most dangerous form. Young people seeking ‘fun’ in a senseless act of vandalism.”
Recap: Stormont comes together against the violence in Ballymena
11:48 , Bryony GoochStormont ministers have made a joint appeal for calm following the violence, across the powersharing executive including Sinn Fein, DUP, Alliance Party and UUP.
The statement said: “As ministers representing every party and department in the Northern Ireland Executive, we strongly condemn the racially motivated violence witnessed in recent days and make an urgent appeal for calm across society. The alleged serious sexual assault reported on 7 June in Ballymena was appalling and our collective thoughts are with the victim and their loved ones at this deeply traumatic time.
“It is paramount that the justice process is now allowed to take its course so that this heinous crime can be robustly investigated. Those weaponising the situation in order to sow racial tensions do not care about seeing justice and have nothing to offer their communities but division and disorder.
“While all of our citizens have the right to engage in peaceful protest, there can never be any justification for the violence that has taken place in recent days, during which residents have been terrorised and numerous PSNI officers injured.”
The statement added: “We are urging everyone in our communities to play their part in that effort and reject the divisive agenda being pursued by a minority of destructive, bad faith actors.”
'This criminal behaviour has no place on the streets of Northern Ireland' says police chief
11:32 , Bryony GoochAssistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson commented on last night’s events, adding: “Last night a significant policing operation was again required on our streets to deal with violent disorder.
“This criminal behaviour has no place on the streets of Northern Ireland and is completely unacceptable.
“What we witnessed last night has caused fear and huge disruption within our communities, including to our local transport network and community services.
“Police officers came under attack from petrol bombs, fireworks and heavy masonry.
“A hatchet was also thrown at police lines during this disorder in a clear attempt to seriously injure our officers – and I thank them once again for their continued efforts putting themselves on the line keeping our streets safe.
“We made six arrests last night during this disorder and more will follow. We are working hard to identify all those responsible in this criminal disorder, and those involved will be dealt with using the full force of the law.
“We are now in the process of gathering evidence, CCTV and other footage of yesterday’s disorder, and anyone who has information or who can help identify those responsible is asked to contact police on 101.
“I would strongly urge anyone who was involved in yesterday’s rioting and disorder to think long and hard about their actions and its impact. I would also appeal for calm voices and cool heads to reduce tensions.”
In pictures: Riot police during third night of disorder
11:18 , Bryony Gooch
Officers discharge less-than-lethal bullets and water cannons during third night of unrest
10:57 , Bryony GoochOfficers discharged a number of Attenuating Energy Projectiles (AEPs) and the water cannon was deployed once again in an attempt to disperse and calm crowds.
All unrest was brought to a stop around 1am, according to police.
Pictured: Hatchet thrown at officers in the midst of disorder
10:34 , Bryony Gooch
Mapped: Where disorder has been reported in Northern Ireland as unrest continues
10:24 , Bryony GoochNaomi Long: 'this has been a three-day festival of hate and destruction'
10:07 , Bryony GoochStormont Justice Minister Naomi Long said it has been a “three-day festival of hate and destruction” which needs to stop before someone loses their life.
She said she will be seeking additional funding for the PSNI in the June Monitoring Round.
She also commended the PSNI for seeking support through a mutual aid request for additional officers from Great Britain.
“This is not just a few days of violence, this has been wanton destruction on a huge scale, and any police service in these islands who are dealing with this kind of pressure, dealing with the number of officers, now close to 50, who have been injured in the last few days, would clearly be feeling the challenge and the strain,” she told the BBC.
Hilary Benn: 'this is not what Northern Ireland is about'
10:05 , Bryony GoochNorthern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn has said “this is not what Northern Ireland is about” as violence continues.
He told the BBC’s Good Morning Ulster programme: “This not what Northern Ireland is about, this is not what we want the rest of the world to see.
“We all, as elected representatives, have a responsibility to seek to calm things down, to support those in the community trying to keep people safe, principally the PSNI, to work with community leaders to lower tensions.
“Whatever views people hold, there is no justification for trying to burn people out of their homes, that is what is going on, and that is what needs to stop because it is shocking and damaging, and it reflects very badly of the image of Northern Ireland that we all want to send to the rest of the world.”
Nine police officers injured in Wednesday night unrest
09:42 , Bryony GoochNine officers were injured in Wednesday night’s unrest, with none reporting serious injuries as they came sustained attack with multiple petrol bombs, heavy masonry, bricks and fireworks thrown at them.
This comes as 17 officers were injured on Tuesday night and 15 were wounded on Monday night, with some receiving hospital treatment.
Watch: Homes left smashed and charred after multiple nights of violence in Ballymena
09:37 , Bryony GoochIn pictures: Riot police tackle unrest in Northern Ireland
09:33 , Bryony Gooch
Three people charged following disorder in Ballymena
09:21 , Bryony GoochThree people have been charged to court following disorder in Ballymena on Tuesday, 10th June.
One man, aged 18, and two teenage boys, aged 15 and 17, have been charged with riot. The 15-year-old has also been charged with criminal damage.
They are expected to appear before Ballymena Magistrates Court today, Thursday 12th June.
Two other teenage boys who were arrested during the disorder have been released on bail to allow for further police enquiries.
Minister will not resign following criticism of social media post before leisure centre fire
08:58 , Bryony GoochNorthern Ireland’s Communities Minister has insisted he will not resign following criticism of a social media post sent hours before an attack on Larne Leisure Centre.
Gordon Lyons said he would “strongly hit back at any notion” that he had publicly revealed the facility was being used to house immigrant families who had been affected by violence in Ballymena.
Masked youths attacked the leisure centre on Wednesday night and set it on fire.
Prior to the fire, Mr Lyons posted on social media that the building had been used to accommodate several people following riotous behaviour in the town of Ballymena, which is 30 minutes away.
Mr Lyons’ post said: “As a local MLA for the area, neither I nor my DUP council colleagues were made aware or consulted on this decision until late this afternoon.”
He added: “It has now been confirmed to us by the PSNI and council that all these individuals are in the care of the Housing Executive and have been moved out of Larne.
“Protesting is of course a legitimate right but violence is not and I would encourage everyone to remain peaceful.”
Some politicians have said Mr Lyons should be considering his position and Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said it was not helpful to publicise where people had been moved.
Mapped: Where unrest has been reported in Northern Ireland
08:57 , Bryony GoochWhat is behind the riots in Northern Ireland?
08:42 , Bryony GoochPolice were attacked with bricks and fireworks on a third night of violent disorder in a town in Northern Ireland on Wednesday night.
Houses, cars, and a leisure centre were also set alight by the protesters, who were eventually dispersed by officers firing plastic baton rounds and using water cannons.
The trouble in Ballymena, in County Antrim, broke out on Monday after an alleged sexual assault on a girl in the area.
Senior reporter Alex Ross explains what’s behind the riots in Northern Ireland here:
PINNED: Have you been affected by the riots in Northern Ireland?
08:36 , Bryony GoochWe’re looking to speak to people whose lives have been affected by the unrest ongoing in Ballymena and across Northern Ireland.
If you’ve been impacted by what’s going on and want to share your story, email bryony.gooch.ind@independent.co.uk .
Locals put up signs to show their nationality as riots continue
08:27 , Bryony Gooch
In pictures: Rioters continue to cause disruption in Northern Ireland
08:25 , Bryony Gooch
Minister referred to standards commission following fire at leisure centre
08:20 , Bryony GoochThe Communities Minister is to be referred to the standards commissioner following vandalism and a fire at Larne Leisure Centre.
Prior to the fire, Gordon Lyons posted on social media that the leisure centre had been used to accommodate several people following riotous behaviour in the town of Ballymena, which is 30 minutes away.
Matthew O’Toole, the leader of the opposition in the Northern Ireland Assembly, said he would refer the minister to the commissioner.
Mr Lyons said on Wednesday: “As a local MLA for the area, neither I nor my DUP Council colleagues were made aware or consulted on this decision until late this afternoon.”
He added: “It has now been confirmed to us by the PSNI and Council that all these individuals are in the care of the Housing Executive and have been moved out of Larne.
“Protesting is of course a legitimate right but violence is not and I would encourage everyone to remain peaceful.”
Watch: Leisure centre torched in third night of disorder in Ballymena
08:00 , Bryony GoochSix arrested for public order offences, one charged so far
07:56 , Bryony GoochSix individuals have been arrested for public order offences relating to the riots, with one person charged so far
A “significant policing operation” is to be in place in Ballymena and beyond on Wednesday night and in the coming days.
PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has warned that the rioting “risks undermining” the criminal justice process into an allegation of a sex attack on a teenage girl in Ballymena at the weekend.
Pictured: police respond to riots in Ballymena
07:54 , Bryony Gooch
Police request support from UK colleagues to deal with Ballymena violence
07:53 , Bryony GoochPolice in Northern Ireland have requested support from colleagues in the rest of the UK following further violence in Ballymena, a senior officer has said.
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said the force would be bringing extra officers, vehicles and equipment to areas where unrest has flared.
He said there were disgraceful scenes in Belfast, Lisburn, Coleraine, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey on Tuesday, as businesses, homes and cars were attacked and damaged.
The riots have been declared 'racist thuggery'
07:49 , Bryony GoochEthnic minorities and immigrants have been targeted in the ongoing riots in Northern Ireland, seemingly in response to the fact that the two teenage boys charged with the attempted rape of a teenage girl in Ballymena were read their charges by a Romanian interpreter.
Here is what politicians and local authorities have said:
First minister Michelle O’Neill said she believes it is important for political leaders to join together and call for calm in Ballymena.
“Whether that be Catholic families driven out of their homes in north Belfast, whether that be the racism that we see being carried out over the last two nights in Ballymena, is wrong. We have to say that its wrong, and all political leaders need to join together in calling for calm,” the First minister said.
“All Executive parties have come together to say what is happening needs to stop.
“We cannot dress this up: this is racism in Ballymena. We need to say this is not something we will tolerate in our society.”
A local police officer has also called it “racist thuggery”.
Everything we know about what started the riots
07:40 , Bryony GoochThe violence originally flared after a vigil in support of the family of a teenage girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the town over the weekend.
Two 14-year-old boys appeared in court on Monday, charged with attempted rape. The charges were read to the teenagers by a Romanian interpreter.
PSNI said it had made a third arrest in connection with their investigation into the serious sexual assault on Monday evening. The 28-year-old man was unconditionally released from police custody following questioning.
A peaceful vigil began on Monday around 7.30pm heading towards the Clonavon Terrace area of Ballymena. Police were present due to the large number of people who had gathered when a number of masked individuals broke away from the gathering and began to build barricades, stockpiling missiles and attacking properties nearby.
Members of the crowd turned on police and attacked officers with petrol bombs and masonry as the disorder continued in the nearby vicinity of Galgorm Street, Linenhall Street, as well as Larne Road Link near the Braid.
Leisure centre in Larne set on fire as riots spread across Northern Ireland
07:38 , Bryony GoochUnrest has spread from Ballymena to other towns, including Coleraine and Larne – where the leisure centre was set on fire by masked vandals who also smashed windows on Wednesday.
The facility had temporarily been used as emergency shelter for those in urgent need following disturbances in Ballymena earlier in the week.
Riots in Northern Ireland continue for a third night
07:35 , Bryony GoochAs unrest continues for a third night in Ballymena, we’re here to keep you updated with everything that’s going on.
Stay tuned for regular updates about the riots across Northern Ireland.
