Northern Ireland, June 12, 2025 – Tension has erupted in Northern Ireland as racially charged unrest enters its third consecutive night. The disturbances were triggered by an alleged attempted rape of a teenage girl in Ballymena, during which two 14-year-old boys requested a Romanian interpreter in court. The presence of the interpreter ignited anti-immigrant sentiment and led to escalating violence across multiple towns.
Riots Intensify After Alleged Assault and Court Hearing
The initial vigil in Ballymena quickly devolved into chaos when masked individuals began throwing petrol bombs, bricks and fireworks at police. On the first night, 15 officers were injured, a rioter was wounded, and several homes, vehicles, and businesses were damaged.
The second night saw renewed attacks, with 17 more officers harmed and additional arrests. The unrest spread to Belfast, Coleraine, Carrickfergus, and Newtownabbey, where street fights, vandalism, and arson were reported. Residents of Eastern European origin, including Filipino and Romanian families, were directly targeted and displaced.
Third Night of Violence in Ballymena and Beyond
In Ballymena, clashes persisted into the third night. Six more officers were injured—bringing the total to at least 41—and nine individuals were arrested. Meanwhile, in Larne, a leisure centre housing displaced migrant families was set ablaze, forcing evacuations. Smaller flare‑ups occurred in Newtownabbey and Coleraine, where demonstrators set fire to bins on railway tracks and other structures.
Scale of Violence and Police Response
Over three nights, an estimated 2,500 people participated in the unrest. Police in riot gear deployed water cannon and baton rounds. Seventeen Scottish public order officers were dispatched under mutual aid arrangements to assist the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), which has faced criticism over its limited resources and fatigued ranks.
Targeted Ethnic Minorities and Community Fear
Homes, cars, and businesses owned by immigrant families were attacked, and racial slurs like “f*** foreigners” were reported. Many immigrant families are now planning to leave Northern Ireland out of fear. Some residents have marked their homes with national flags—British, Filipino or Romanian—to signal their nationality and avoid being targeted.
Political and Institutional Reaction
Senior political figures—including First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Justice Minister Naomi Long—have condemned the violence as “racist thuggery” and urged calm. Gordon Lyons, the Communities Minister, faced calls to step down after publicizing the location of the displaced families, a move critics say may have helped incite further attacks.
Threats to Social Cohesion and the Justice Process
Community leaders warn that the unrest threatens the peace established by the Good Friday Agreement and could derail ongoing judicial proceedings in the sexual assault case. Police have categorized the incidents as hate crimes and have made several arrests, including charges for rioting and criminal damage.
Looking Ahead
Authorities are on high alert, with enhanced police presence and reinforcements from Scotland. Preventing further violence and repairing trust with immigrant communities are emerging as urgent priorities. With the provocations linked to one court appearance, the coming days will test Northern Ireland’s resilience and commitment to social harmony.
