Second Night of Rioting in Northern Ireland: Police Attacked and Homes Set Ablaze

Hundreds of masked rioters engaged in violent clashes with police and ignited multiple homes and vehicles in the Northern Irish town of Ballymena on Tuesday. This unrest marked a second consecutive night of disorder following a protest related to an alleged sexual assault that occurred in the area. Since the onset of violence on Monday night, 32 officers have sustained injuries, with 17 of those occurring during the latest confrontations.

On the same day, two 14-year-old boys were brought before the court, accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl. The charges were communicated through a Romanian interpreter, as reported by the BBC. Defense attorneys stated that the boys deny the allegations, and they are currently in custody until July 2.

Additionally, police are categorizing the attacks on properties that resulted in four houses being damaged by fire as racially motivated hate crimes. Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable Jon Boutcher expressed deep concerns over the recent violence, urging an end to what he labeled as hate-fueled acts that threaten societal cohesion. Amid escalated tensions, residents have taken measures to protect themselves.

One Romanian citizen described placing a British flag in her window for safety, while another displayed both British and Filipino flags with a message indicating diversity in residence. Law enforcement reported five arrests for riotous behavior following earlier arrests on Monday. Police often face violence in certain regions of Northern Ireland, particularly during periods of heightened tensions, despite the peace established 27 years ago which concluded decades of sectarian conflict.

In response to the unrest on Tuesday, officers in riot gear utilized water cannons and non-lethal projectiles while repelling assaults involving petrol bombs and other projectiles thrown by rioters. The atmosphere was chaotic, with fires burning and police sirens echoing late into the night. The British government, alongside local political figures, condemned the violence, with Northern Ireland Minister Hilary Benn stating that such civil disorder has no place in the region.