Ballymena Riots: Police Condemn "Shocking Scenes" After Officers Injured and Homes Damaged

Ballymena, Co. Antrim – June 10, 2025 – Police in Northern Ireland have strongly condemned “shocking scenes” of disorder that erupted in Ballymena last night, Monday, June 9th. Fifteen officers were injured, some requiring hospital treatment, and homes and businesses were damaged in what the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) describes as a sustained attack by masked rioters.

Violent Clashes Follow Peaceful Vigil

The widespread disorder began after a planned vigil, initially peaceful, gathered in the Galgorm Road area around 7:30 PM. The procession moved through Larne Street, Wakehurst Road, and Queen Street before reaching the Clonavon Terrace area of Ballymena. PSNI officers were present to monitor the large gathering.

However, a concerning turn of events saw masked individuals break away from the vigil. These rioters began constructing barricades, stockpiling missiles, and launching attacks on properties in Clonavon Terrace. The aggression escalated as elements of the crowd turned on police, pelting officers with petrol bombs and masonry. This intense disorder continued for several hours, spreading to the vicinity of Galgorm Street, Linenhall Street, and the Larne Road Link near the Braid.

Officers Under “Sustained Attack,” Homes Torched

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson revealed that officers came under “sustained attack” with “multiple petrol bombs, fireworks, heavy masonry and bricks thrown in their direction.” In addition to the injured officers, two police vehicles were damaged during the widespread unrest.

The rioting also left a trail of destruction for residents and businesses. Several homes and commercial properties suffered smashed windows and doors. Crucially, four houses were damaged by fire, leading to the evacuation of three residents. These attacks are being investigated as “racially-motivated hate attacks.” Further property damage was reported in Galgorm Parks in the early hours of Tuesday, June 10th. In total, six properties in Clonavon Terrace sustained damage.

During the serious disorder, police discharged one Attenuating Energy Projectile (AEP), striking one rioter. A 29-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of riotous and disorderly behaviour, attempted criminal damage, and resisting police. He remains in custody as investigations continue.

Hate Crime Investigation in Cullybackey

Separately, police are also investigating a report of arson in Tobar Park, Cullybackey, in the early hours of Tuesday, June 10th. A petrol bomb was reportedly thrown at a vehicle shortly after 12:20 AM, causing it to ignite and damage a nearby property where a woman and two children were present. Fortunately, there were no injuries, and the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service extinguished the blaze. This incident is also being treated as a racially motivated hate crime.

ACC Henderson Appeals for Calm and Information

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson strongly condemned the “shocking scenes” in Ballymena, stating, “This is not the way. People have been injured and public property damaged.” He confirmed that police are engaging with affected groups and actively gathering evidence, including CCTV footage, to pursue criminal investigations.

ACC Henderson extended his “appreciation and gratitude” to the officers who “worked fearlessly to try to bring calm to the most volatile of situations.” He also thanked the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and Northern Ireland Ambulance Service for their support.

Urging those involved in the rioting to “think long and hard about their actions,” ACC Henderson stressed that “violence and disorder will only place people at greater risk.” He concluded with a plea to the community: “Our priority is to keep the community safe and we need everyone to work with us, we want better for Ballymena and Northern Ireland.”

How to Report Information

Police are appealing for anyone with information or who can help identify those responsible to contact them on 101. Reports can also be submitted online via the non-emergency reporting form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/.