Racist Thuggery Erupts in Ballymena After Peaceful Protest

Violence erupts in Ballymena following protest over alleged sexual assault. A peaceful protest in Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, turned violent on the evening of June 9th, 2025. Police reported that the disorder, described by authorities as "racist thuggery", resulted in injuries to several officers. Residents reported their homes being attacked with fireworks, petrol bombs, and bricks. One resident, a mother of three who has lived in Ballymena for nine years, expressed her fear and uncertainty about her safety, stating, "I don't feel safe enough to stay in my home anymore." Police are working to identify those responsible and have appealed for calm, promising a heavy police presence in the coming days. The incident highlights the tensions and challenges facing the community.