Riots in Northern Ireland; Mob racial hate attack; 15 officers injured; several homes and businesses damaged

Antrim: Police said 15 officers were injured in violence that broke out on the streets of Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, on Saturday night. 

Two 14-year-old Romanian boys appeared at Coleraine Magistrates' Court on Monday accused of attempting to rape a teenage girl in Ballymena. On Sunday, two teenagers were arrested and later charged in connection with the incident. Their names and ages were confirmed through a Romanian-speaking interpreter. The incident, which is said to have taken place on Clonavon Terrace in the Co Antrim town between 7.30pm and 10.30pm on Saturday, was described by police as a "serious sexual assault".

The peaceful protest turned violent. Four homes were set on fire, four homes were damaged, and three people were evacuated. Several homes and businesses were damaged, with windows and doors broken. "These attacks on property are being investigated as racially motivated hate crimes," police said.

A number of homes have been set on fire here in Ballymena.

Riot police continue to advance on rioters as they target homes @BelTel pic.twitter.com/2QWqBuA7YB

— Kevin Scott (@Kscott_94) June 9, 2025

The violence took place in the Clonavon Road area of ​​the town centre following a sexual assault. "A section of the crowd turned on police, attacking officers with petrol bombs and stones. Videos shared online showed masked youths throwing objects including paint cans and glass bottles at PSNI vehicles.

The Police Federation for Northern Ireland says the "brutal" attacks on officers were "completely senseless, unacceptable and cruel". A 29-year-old man has been arrested on charges of rioting, disorderly conduct, attempted criminal damage and resisting police. He remains in police custody.