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Unrest Subsides in Ballymena After Anti-Immigrant Riots

Police maintain a strong presence to prevent a return to violence following the arrest of two Romanian teenagers on suspicion of rape.

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Overview

  • The riots, which followed a June 9 court appearance, saw demonstrators attacking migrant homes, erecting barricades, and vandalizing property.
  • Police suffered 17 injuries and arrested about a dozen individuals on charges including property damage and public disorder.
  • The Police Service of Northern Ireland condemned the violence as racist hooliganism exploiting collective outrage.
  • MP Jim Allister denounced the disorder but used the events to call for stricter immigration controls.
  • The 14-year-old Romanian suspects, who deny the allegations, remain in custody after appearing in court with a Romanian interpreter.