Escalating Anti-Immigrant Violence Continues in Northern Ireland

Sun Dec 07 2025 01:35:43 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Ballymena witnesses a second night of unrest, with rioters attacking homes and police efforts hampered by violence.

Anti-immigrant rioting in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, has escalated for a second night, resulting in injuries to 17 police officers and widespread destruction of property as tensions rise over a recent assault case involving minors.

A second night of violent unrest erupted in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, on Tuesday, fueled by anti-immigrant sentiment and protests spreading to neighboring areas. Rioters targeted homes, businesses, and vehicles while police reported 17 officers injured amid the chaos. The disorder initially ignited following a demonstration linked to the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland stated that officers faced “sustained attacks” involving petrol bombs, bricks, and fireworks. As tensions reached a boiling point, law enforcement deployed a water cannon and used plastic baton rounds to try to disperse the rioters in Ballymena, with additional disturbances reported in parts of Belfast and Carrickfergus.

Earlier in the evening, protests had broken out in other towns, including Lisburn and Coleraine, after two 14-year-old boys appeared in court on charges related to the serious assault, including attempted oral rape. The suspects denied the charges, which have been confirmed through a Romanian interpreter.

Scenes in Ballymena on Wednesday morning reflected increasing division, with signs marking the nationality of residents, expressing both solidarity and defiance in the face of violence. The town’s atmosphere remained tense as the aftermath of the riots left homes damaged, with one read proudly displaying the message “British household” above a smashed window, alongside another house showing pride in its Filipino heritage.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher voiced deep concern over the violence, describing it as "mindless" and a threat to community safety and justice for the victim. Police are actively reviewing footage to identify participants in the riots, condemning the incidents as “hate-fueled acts and mob rule.” On Tuesday night, five individuals were arrested on suspicion of rioting, along with one for disorderly conduct in Newtownabbey.

As this situation continues to develop, authorities and community leaders are calling for calm and dialogue to address the underlying issues that sparked these violent protests.