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Racial Violence Eases in Northern Ireland as Police Ramp Up Investigations

Heightened community engagement followed by Scottish mutual aid support delivered a marked drop in unrest.

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A police officer is engulfed in flames after rioters threw a petrol bomb at officers in Portadown on Sunday

Overview

  • The unrest began on June 9 in Ballymena after an alleged sexual assault sparked protests that escalated into racially motivated attacks across multiple towns.
  • Officers faced petrol bombs, bricks and fireworks over five nights, resulting in at least 64 injuries while confronting violent crowds in Ballymena, Portadown, Larne and Coleraine.
  • Ethnic minority homes and community centres suffered arson and hate graffiti, prompting the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to assist around 50 households and provide emergency accommodation to 14 families.
  • The PSNI’s request for additional officers from Police Scotland along with intensified community outreach preceded a calmer scene on Saturday night across the region.
  • Investigators have made 24 arrests related to the disorder, with 14 individuals charged so far and police continuing round-the-clock inquiries to hold perpetrators to account.