Violence erupted in Ballymena on Monday night, with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) stating that the incident was clearly racially motivated. The unrest followed a peaceful protest over an alleged sexual assault in the Co Antrim town, resulting in four houses being damaged by fire.

Fifteen officers were injured, some requiring hospital treatment, after being targeted with petrol bombs, bricks, and masonry. Tensions over immigration in the area have been escalating, according to local MP and TUV leader Jim Allister.

Two 14-year-old boys appeared in court charged with attempted rape, with the charges read to them by a Romanian interpreter. A 29-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of various offenses.

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson condemned the violence, emphasizing that it has no place in society. He confirmed that efforts are underway to identify and bring the responsible parties to justice.

Increased police presence in Ballymena is planned to protect the community and prevent future disorder. Henderson urged those involved in the violence to consider the consequences of their actions and called for calm in the coming days.

Stormont Justice Minister Naomi Long denounced the scenes as appalling, stating there is no justification for such behavior. Social media footage showed protesters setting up barricades, burning road barriers, and throwing missiles at police vehicles.

The PSNI reported that what started as a peaceful protest turned violent when masked individuals began attacking properties and police officers. Fifteen officers were injured, and two police vehicles were damaged during the disorder.

Separately, police are investigating an incident of arson in Cullybackey, where a petrol bomb was thrown at a vehicle, causing damage to a nearby property. The attack is being treated as a racially motivated hate crime.