Ballymena - June 2025

Ballymena sees a third consecutive night of rioting following the alleged sexual assault of a local girl by two teenage boys. Since the incident, foreign nationals have been targeted in coordinated attacks, prompting residents to display signs showing their nationalities as a means of protecting their homes. Violence erupted again in the Clonavon Terrace area, with protesters clashing with police and launching bricks, petrol bombs, and fireworks. A water cannon was used to disperse crowds. Several homes were attacked by masked gangs, while others gathered to watch. Unrest also spread to Coleraine and Larne, where a leisure centre reportedly sheltering displaced families was set on fire.