Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Amy-Clare Martin

Why scared families in Northern Ireland are marking their nationalities on their doors

  • Terrified families in Ballymena are displaying their nationalities on their front doors after three nights of violence to stop rioters from targeting their homes.
  • Clashes erupted after a social media post advertised a peaceful protest in response to an alleged serious sexual assault; two teenage boys charged with attempted rape have faced court with the aid of a Romanian interpreter.
  • The violent disorder that has since erupted has been slammed as “racist thuggery” and “mob rule” by the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
  • Masked rioters hurled petrol bombs, masonry, bricks and fireworks at officers, who responded with a water cannon, dogs and plastic baton rounds.
  • Secretary of state for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn joined widespread condemnation of the “shocking” scenes, warning there is "absolutely no justification for civil disorder".

IN FULL

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.