Ballymena: 17 PSNI officers injured during another night of serious unrest
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher brands the trouble "mindless violence" and vows to pursue those responsible and bring them to justice
Last updated 11th Jun 2025
A total of 17 PSNI officers were injured as serious trouble flared for a second night in Ballymena, it emerged today (Wednesday).
A clean-up operation is currently under way.
Police said they came under "sustained attack over a number of hours with multiple petrol bombs, heavy masonry, bricks and fireworks in their direction" in the Clonavon Terrace area.
On Monday night 15 officers were hurt.
During the course of last night's disorder in Ballymena, officers discharged a number of plastic baton rounds and the water cannon was also deployed in an attempt to disperse the crowds.
Police said they made five arrests on suspicion of riotous behaviour and remain in police custody this morning.
Elsewhere, a number of protests took place in areas of Belfast, Lisburn, Coleraine and Newtownabbey.
In Carrickfergus two bins were set alight and bottles and masonry thrown at police in the Sunnylands area by a group of 20 to 30 young people at around 8.30pm.
In Newtownabbey bins were set alight at the roundabout on O'Neill Road.
A male was also arrested on suspicion of disorderly behaviour on the O’Neill Road in Newtownabbey.
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said scenes of violence in Ballymena "risk undermining the ongoing criminal justice process led by the PSNI in support of a victim who deserves truth, justice, and protection".:
He added: “The mindless violence witnessed over the past two nights in Ballymena is deeply concerning and utterly unacceptable.
"These criminal acts not only endanger lives but also risk undermining the ongoing criminal justice process led by the PSNI in support of a victim who deserves truth, justice, and protection.
“Ironically, and frustratingly, this violence threatens to derail the very pursuit of justice it claims to challenge. Let me be clear: this behaviour must stop. I appeal to everyone involved to cease all further acts of criminality and disorder immediately.
“As with any serious offenders in Northern Ireland, we will pursue those responsible and bring them to justice. We will now begin our investigation of reviewing all evidence gathered, including video footage, and Images of the individuals involved will be released to identify offenders.
“Do not throw away your future and do not continue to endanger or intimidate the lives of others.
“To those who have been threatened or affected by this violence: we are with you. You deserve safety and justice, and we will find and prosecute those responsible. Hate-fuelled acts and mob rule do nothing but tear at the fabric of our society—they resolve nothing and serve no one."
The Chief Constable went on to praise his officers.
“I want to pay the highest tribute to the women and men of the Police Service of Northern Ireland," he said.
" Despite operating under immense financial pressure—far greater than that faced by other public services in Northern Ireland or police forces across the UK and in the Republic of Ireland—our officers continue to display unwavering professionalism, courage, and resolve. Again we see our brave officers putting themselves in harms way to keep people safe resulting in further unacceptable injuries - they are a credit to us all.
“Since 2010, the PSNI has been critically underfunded. This neglect takes no account of the enormous demands placed on us by legacy issues or the unique challenges of policing in a post-conflict society. Our resourcing levels are not just inadequate—they are dangerous.
“I will be making arrangements to activate mutual aid resources to ensure we have the necessary support to maintain public order and bring offenders to justice.
“The PSNI is a cornerstone of our society’s peace and security. It is time it was treated—and funded—accordingly.”
Meanwhile, there has been political condemnation with UUP leader Mike Nesbitt calling for an "immediate end" to the violence.
He said, “There is no justification for this mayhem, and my thoughts are with those who have lost their homes and the greater number who are feeling intimidated and unwelcome.
“I also stand in solidarity with the blue lights, not just the PSNI but also the Fire and Rescue Service, who have had to deal with a number of house fires.
“I understand there are community concerns regarding an alleged serious sexual assault. There are legitimate ways to express those concerns. Street violence is not one of them.”