Consecutive nights of sustained disorder in Ballymena and other parts of Northern Ireland followed until calm was restored
A total of 100 have been arrested and 91 charged with various offences in the wake of this summer’s disorder in Ballymena that resulted in days of rioting in the Co Antrim town.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has said that to date it continues its investigation into the scenes. Civil strife erupted in Ballymena in June after a peaceful protest following the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl.
Rioting centred around the Clonavon Terrace of the Co Antrim town, and lasted for three days, with houses set alight, windows smashed, and many residents fleeing.
To date those subsequently being charged for offences include allegations of riot, arson with intent to endanger life and burglary with intent to cause arson. Photographs of 60 potential suspects were also issued to the public that helped lead to 49 arrests.
Detective Chief Inspector Michael O’Loan from Serious Crime Branch said: “On Monday, June 9, hate-motivated, serious public disorder unfolded in Ballymena which saw the homes of ethnic minority families destroyed and violent crowds attack police officers.
“Consecutive nights of sustained disorder in Ballymena and other parts of Northern Ireland followed until calm was restored. A dedicated investigation team was established to carry out a focused investigation into what happened and we brought together specialist resources to ensure a thorough and swift review was conducted.
“Our investigation team worked through over 1,000 hours of CCTV, Evidence Gathering and Body Worn Video footage, and a large volume of online material in order to help identify the people responsible for attacking homes and businesses, public disorder, attacks on police officers and intimidating members of the ethnic minority communities.
|This team’s work has been vital in restoring calm and providing reassurance to local communities in Ballymena and across Northern Ireland by identifying, and holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
“A number of suspects remain unidentified and their images have been published on our website and social media platforms. I would appeal to these individuals to come forward and hand themselves into the police or if you know who they are please tell us. You can view images of these suspects on our website: here.
“The Police Service remains committed to maintaining public order, and we would strongly encourage anyone with information about what happened or who was involved to make contact with us.
“Photos and footage, including CCTV, mobile phone or dash cam footage that could help our investigation, can continued to be shared with us through the Major Incident Public Portal at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI25U11-PO1
“Alternatively, a report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. Should you wish to make a report anonymously, you can do so by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
“The Police Service of Northern Ireland will do everything we can to prevent hate crime and bring those responsible to justice. We do not underestimate the impact hate crimes have on victims, their families and wider communities.
“It is totally unacceptable that anyone is targeted because of their race. No one should feel intimated or threatened due to their ethnicity and officers will continue to pursue justice for the victims of hate-related crime.”
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