Disorder after alleged sex assault ‘unwarranted’, says Jim Allister

In United Kingdom
June 10, 2025

Lyndsey Telford and Chris Page

BBC News ni

Pacemaker firefighters with brown suits and yellow helmets on the street holding a hose. There is a fire truck to the right and the houses in front. There is a fire in the street that is being approached by one of the firefighters. To the right of the image is the side of a fire truck with visible hose reels.Pacemaker

The properties caught fire in Ballymena

The disorder in Ballymena after a protest for an alleged sexual assault in the city has been described as “unwanted and unjustified” by the deputy of the area.

People with masks threw masonry and other missiles to the police, while the houses were burned.

Police officers blocked Clonavon’s terrace while trying to board the riots, while a police car seemed that their windows broke.

Jim Allister, leader of the traditional trade unionist voice, said that violence was “very distressing.”

Northern Antrim’s deputy said the “context” for the demonstration was that there was a “significant demographic change in the” no ester immigration worm. “

Earlier on Monday, two teenagers appeared before the Court of Magistrates of Coleraine accused or sexually assaulting a teenager in Ballymena.

They spoke through a Romanian interpreter to confirm their names and ages.

His lawyer said they would deny the charges.

Look: the disorder exploded in Ballymena on Monday night

Hundreds of people participated in a Pacific March hours after the appearance in court.

The multitude of men, women and children gathered near the city center and walked along Larne Street and then Queen Street.

Violence broke out later in the day.

PACEMAKER A large multitude stopped on the street in Ballymena. There are buildings on each side and a fire in the distance. The smoke rises to the sky.Pacemaker

Great crowds gathered in Ballymena on Monday night

The Northern Ireland police service said that several missiles were thrown into their officers and that “the damage had informed a series of properties.”

Police have advised motorists and pedestrians to avoid clonavon road until further notice.

CH SPT Steen said: “We urge everyone to keep calm and act the answer. Violence and disorder will only place people with greater risk.”