Police Condemn 'Utterly Unacceptable' Second Night of Violence in Ballymena

Petrol bombs, fireworks, and bricks thrown at officers; 17 injured in widespread disorder across multiple towns

📅 11 June 2025
📍 Mid and East Antrim, Northern Ireland
📰 By Northern Ireland Online News Desk

Police in Northern Ireland have strongly condemned a second consecutive night of violence in Ballymena. Petrol bombs, bricks, and fireworks were hurled at officers, leaving 17 injured. Water cannon and AEPs were deployed. Rioting also erupted in Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey. Five people were arrested, and PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher warned that further arrests will follow.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has condemned a second night of violent disorder in Ballymena, where officers faced sustained attacks involving petrol bombs, bricks, heavy masonry, and fireworks on Tuesday, 10 June.

The disorder was concentrated in the Clonavon Terrace area, following a night of similar rioting. In response, specially trained officers deployed Attenuating Energy Projectiles (AEPs) and water cannon to disperse hostile crowds. A number of homes, businesses, and vehicles were damaged in the chaos.

During the course of the night:

• 17 police officers were injured, some requiring hospital treatment.
• Five individuals were arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour.
• A male was also arrested in Newtownabbey for disorderly behaviour.
• Roads were closed temporarily for public safety but have since reopened.

Wider Disorder Across Northern Ireland

While Ballymena saw the most severe disorder, unrest also flared in:

• Carrickfergus, where two bins were set alight and missiles thrown at police by a group of 20–30 youths in the Sunnylands area around 8:30pm.
• Newtownabbey, where bins were set on fire at the O’Neill Road roundabout.
• Belfast, Lisburn, and Coleraine, where smaller protests took place.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher: “This Must Stop”

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher issued a strong statement condemning the violence, describing it as “mindless, dangerous and utterly unacceptable.”

“These criminal acts not only endanger lives but also risk undermining the ongoing criminal justice process led by the PSNI in support of a victim who deserves truth, justice, and protection.”

He urged those involved to “cease all further acts of criminality and disorder immediately,” and warned that the PSNI will now review CCTV and video footage to identify and charge offenders.

“Do not throw away your future and do not continue to endanger or intimidate the lives of others,” he added.

Resourcing Pressures and Mutual Aid

Boutcher also criticised the critical underfunding of the PSNI, saying the force operates under more severe financial strain than any other police service in the UK or Republic of Ireland. He confirmed the activation of mutual aid resources to reinforce public order policing.

“The PSNI is a cornerstone of our society’s peace and security. It is time it was treated—and funded—accordingly.”

Appeal for Information

Police are appealing to the public to help bring those responsible to justice:

• Submit reports via the PSNI non-emergency portal
• Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org
• Upload video, mobile, dashcam, or CCTV footage through the Major Incident Public Portal: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI25U11-PO1