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Second Night of Ballymena Disorder Ends, Investigations Intensify

Police have launched a major inquiry into the unrest after deploying water cannon, plastic baton rounds, canine units to restore calm.

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Disorder broke out in Ballymena after two 14-year-old boys were charged with the attempted rape of a teenage girl (Photo: Pacemaker Belfast)
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Overview

  • The unrest began Monday night when protests over the charging of two 14-year-old boys escalated into petrol bomb and masonry attacks on PSNI officers.
  • On Tuesday, riot police formed roadblocks in Clonavon Terrace and used water cannon and baton rounds to disperse hundreds of violent protesters.
  • Calm returned to the town centre by around 1 am on Wednesday, although officers recorded sporadic disorder in Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus and north Belfast.
  • At least three people have been arrested, including a 29-year-old man charged with riotous behaviour and a 28-year-old released while inquiries continue.
  • Fifteen officers were injured and multiple homes and vehicles suffered damage over the two nights, prompting an appeal from Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson for witnesses.