Petrol bombs, fires, and rising fear as racial tensions erupt in Northern Ireland town after teen rape allegations

BALLYMENA, June 11 — Violent unrest erupted for a second consecutive night in the Northern Irish town of Ballymena, following what police described as “racially motivated” attacks that began after the arrest of two teenagers accused of attempting to rape a young girl.

An AFP journalist reported that hundreds of mostly masked demonstrators took to the streets, throwing petrol bombs, bottles, and bricks, prompting police to respond with water cannons. A strong security presence was observed in parts of the town — located about 30 miles (48 kilometres) northwest of Belfast — where protesters set fire to a car and barricades. Police also deployed plastic baton rounds to disperse the crowds.

As night fell, the large gatherings began to thin, although smaller groups continued to linger in the town centre. Local media also reported road blockages in parts of Belfast.

The unrest began Monday evening following a vigil held in the neighbourhood where the alleged sexual assault took place on Saturday.

“This violence was clearly racially motivated and targeted at our minority ethnic community and police,” said Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson during a press briefing Tuesday. “It was racist thuggery, plain and simple. Any effort to excuse or reframe it is completely unjustified.”

Tensions remained high throughout Tuesday in Ballymena, a town with a significant migrant population. Residents told AFP that the violence was terrifying and appeared to be aimed specifically at “foreigners.”

The two teenage suspects, who appeared in court on Monday, reportedly requested a Romanian interpreter, according to local media.

Police said the violence broke out after masked individuals split off from the vigil, built barricades, stockpiled projectiles, and began attacking buildings.

Several homes and businesses were damaged in what the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has categorized as hate crimes. Officers also came under “sustained attack” involving petrol bombs, fireworks, and bricks, resulting in injuries to 15 officers — some requiring hospitalisation.

A 29-year-old man has been arrested and charged with offences including riotous behaviour, attempted criminal damage, and resisting arrest.

In total, four homes were set ablaze, while windows and doors of other residences and businesses were shattered.

Cornelia Albu, a 52-year-old Romanian mother of two, said her family was “very scared” after attackers tried to set fire to the house across from hers. “It was crazy last night,” she said. “Now I have to move, but I’m worried I won’t find another place because I’m Romanian.”

A 22-year-old woman living next to one of the torched houses described the events as “terrifying.” She told AFP, “People were targeting foreigners — it didn’t matter who they were or if they were innocent. Even local people were terrified in their own homes.”

This week’s unrest follows similar racially charged disturbances in August, which spread from riots in England after a triple stabbing in Southport.

Mark, a 24-year-old local, told AFP the alleged rape incident was merely a trigger. “The foreigners here don’t respect locals. They don’t integrate,” he said. Another resident was seen hanging a Union Jack flag in front of his home “so people know a foreigner doesn’t live here.”

Mayor Jackson Minford acknowledged that Ballymena has a sizable migrant population, many of whom contribute significantly to the local economy. “Last night’s events have likely frightened many. We are working hard to identify and hold the perpetrators accountable,” he said.

A spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the violence in Ballymena “deeply concerning.” — AFP