2 days Ago
Officials described the violence as hate-motivated, and it erupted after two boys accused of attempting to rape a girl appeared in court and asked for a Romanian interpreter, causing unrest in the community of migrant workers.
Molotovs, Arson and Assaults on Police
Riot response Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) used riot gear, armoured vehicles, water cannons, and plastic baton rounds to control the rioters. Demonstrators hurled Molotov cocktails, scaffolding poles and rocks — some of which they yanked from walls they tore down — at both the police and buildings.
Some homes were set on fire and cars set ablaze. Reports say that, afraid they would be the next target, residents started putting their nationality on their doors hoping to be spared.
"The appalling images of civil disorder we have seen this evening in Ballymena have absolutely no place in Northern Ireland," said the UK's Northern Ireland minister, Hilary Benn, who condemned the violence against police and minority communities.
By Yonette Joseph Tensions Flare Over Migrant Targeting
Monday's unrest erupted after a vigil in the neighborhood where the alleged assault took place. Violence erupted when masked demonstrators split from the vigil, erected barricades and set upon homes and businesses. The first night of rioting resulted in at least 15 police officers injured, some of whom needed hospital treatment.
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said the attacks were race hate crimes targeted at minority ethnic communities and police. "My family and I are afraid to stay in this area," said Cornelia Albu, a Romanian house holder whose home was almost torched. "This night it was crazy," she said, and might be forced to move.
