Northern Ireland Erupts: Ballymena Sees Second Night of Violent Protests

Ballymena erupts in violence as protests rage for a second night. Northern Ireland witnessed a second night of violent disorder in Ballymena on Tuesday, June 11, 2025. Multiple vehicles were set ablaze, and rioters hurled petrol bombs and other projectiles at police officers. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) deployed riot police and used water cannons to quell the unrest. "It was terrifying," said one resident, who witnessed the chaos unfold near Clonavon Terrace. The violence followed a peaceful demonstration earlier in the day in support of a young woman who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault. The PSNI is investigating both the assault and the subsequent riots. While the initial protest was peaceful, the escalation into violence raises serious concerns about community tensions.