Thu Jun 12 09:29:05 UTC 2025: ## Ballymena Riots Subside After Third Night, Leaders Denounce “Racially Motivated Violence”

**Ballymena, Northern Ireland** – The third night of unrest in Ballymena saw hundreds take to the streets on Wednesday, facing off against police in riot gear, though the chaotic scenes of the previous two nights were largely avoided. The violence, sparked after the arrest of two teenagers in connection with an alleged attempted rape, has been condemned by political leaders as racially motivated.

While police have not confirmed the ethnicity of the arrested teenagers, who requested a Romanian interpreter in court, neighborhoods with significant Romanian migrant populations were targeted in earlier attacks. Residents described “terrifying” scenes of attackers targeting “foreigners,” prompting some to display signs identifying themselves as Filipino or fly British flags.

Ministers from all parties in Northern Ireland’s power-sharing executive released a joint statement condemning the “racially motivated violence,” urging people to reject the “divisive” agenda being pushed by a “destructive” minority. The statement acknowledged the “terror” experienced by residents and the injuries sustained by police.

Police Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson denounced the violence as “racist thuggery,” stating it was “clearly racially motivated and targeted at our minority ethnic community and police.” Riot officers with dogs have been deployed, and assistance has been requested from forces in England and Wales.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called the unrest “mindless violence.” Adding to the tension, a leisure centre in Larne, temporarily housing evacuated Ballymena residents, was set on fire by masked men.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill described the violence as “abhorrent.” The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) reported officers were subjected to a sustained attack with petrol bombs, heavy masonry, bricks, and fireworks, resulting in injuries requiring hospital treatment for some.

The situation remains tense in Ballymena as authorities work to restore order and investigate the underlying causes of the unrest.

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