15 Police Officers Injured in Ballymena Protest: One Arrest Made

Ballymena Violence: 15 Police Officers Injured in Racially Motivated Attacks Ballymena, Northern Ireland – A wave of violence erupted in Ballymena, Northern Ireland on Monday night, leaving 15 police officers injured and causing significant damage to property. The unrest followed a court hearing involving two 14-year-old boys charged with the serious sexual assault of a teenage girl. The ensuing protests quickly escalated, with protesters resorting to extreme measures. "I want to condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms," stated Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson in a press briefing. "It has no place in our society and should be loudly condemned by all right-thinking people." Eyewitnesses reported seeing protesters throwing Molotov cocktails, fireworks, and heavy masonry at police officers. The chaos resulted in widespread damage to local businesses and homes. Police confirmed that one person was arrested in connection with the incident. The police are currently investigating the attacks as racially motivated. The events in Ballymena highlight the deep-seated tensions within the community and underscore the urgent need for dialogue and reconciliation. The swift condemnation by police officials signals a commitment to bringing those responsible to justice.