**Third Consecutive Night of Rioting Plunges Ballymena into Turmoil, Leisure Centre Set Ablaze**
A wave of violence has swept through the town of Ballymena in Northern Ireland for the third consecutive evening, as tensions surrounding immigration and recent court proceedings boiled over into large-scale public disorder. What began earlier in the week as a planned protest quickly escalated into confrontations with police, arson, and attacks targeting locations believed to be sheltering migrants.
The unrest was sparked following a court appearance on Monday, when two teenage boys — who required a Romanian interpreter — denied charges of attempted rape. The case rapidly gained traction on social media, fuelling widespread speculation and anger, and leading to a swiftly organised protest that very evening. Despite initial calls for a peaceful demonstration, the event descended into chaos as rioters launched projectiles, including petrol bombs and fireworks, at law enforcement officers.
In the days following, Ballymena has been left reeling from consecutive nights in which tensions have reached fever pitch. People living near the affected sites have spoken of a climate of fear, with many residents remaining indoors out of concern for their safety. Reports emerged that in an attempt to avoid being targeted, some locals have taken to displaying British and Irish flags in their windows — a clear indication of the deep divisions within the community.
The worst of the recent violence centred on Larne Leisure Centre on Wednesday night. Masked individuals forced their way into the building, smashing windows and setting fires amidst unconfirmed claims that it was temporarily accommodating people moved from homes in Ballymena. Emergency services acted swiftly, establishing a blockade of vehicles and deploying a water cannon in an effort to disperse the increasingly volatile crowd near Clonavon Terrace. Authorities have since reported that no one was present inside the leisure centre during the attack.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) revealed that these events have resulted in a number of arrests, with dozens of officers sustaining injuries in the line of duty. The PSNI’s approach, which included the use of water jets, was designed to prevent further escalation but has not yet managed to restore calm to the area.
Local political leaders have been quick to address the crisis. DUP politician Gordon Lyons posted a statement to Facebook confirming that those who had been relocated to the leisure centre had been moved again under the care of the Housing Executive. Lyons strongly emphasised the importance of maintaining peaceful protest: “Protesting is of course a legitimate right, but violence is not and I would encourage everyone to remain peaceful.”
In the wake of these troubling scenes, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the disturbances in no uncertain terms, characterising them as “mindless attacks” and echoing senior police officers in labelling the violence as “racist thuggery.” The Government’s response has underscored the seriousness with which these incidents are being treated, while police resources continue to be bolstered in the area in an effort to contain the unrest.
Community sentiment remains fragile, with numerous Ballymena residents expressing anxiety about venturing outside and uncertainty about what may come next. The compounding effects of the disorder have left a visible mark on the town, both physically and psychologically, leading many to question what more can be done to de-escalate the situation.
As authorities and community leaders strive to restore order and foster reconciliation, the aftermath of the riots has also reignited wider discussions about social divides, immigration, and the role of online misinformation in stoking tensions in an already polarised environment. The situation in Ballymena will no doubt continue to draw close attention, both locally and nationally, as efforts intensify to return peace to the troubled town.