0h 16min, jun 9, 2025 y - Ballymena Riots: Night 1

Description:

Police have said 15 officers were injured in disorder in Ballymena which they described as "racist thuggery, pure and simple" and targeted at ethnic minorities and law enforcement.

Violence broke out following an earlier peaceful protest over an alleged sexual assault in the County Antrim town.

A 29-year-old man who was arrested has been charged with riotous behaviour, disorderly behaviour, attempted criminal damage and resisting police.

North Antrim MP Jim Allister said the violence was "very distressing".

The Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) leader said the "context" for the initial protest was that there had been "significant demographic change in the area" because of "unfettered immigration".

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