Portadown: police come under attack as Northern Ireland sees fourth night of disorder
Missiles including masonry and fireworks were thrown at officers during the night
Last updated 13th Jun 2025
Trouble flared for a fourth night running in Northern Ireland with the police coming under attack during a protest in Portadown.
Tension had been building in the Co Armagh town for much of the evening.
A heavy police presence was in place from early on.
Missiles including masonry and fireworks were thrown at officers during the night.
The PSNI moved to extinguish fires set on roads while residents worked to clear debris left over from clashes in the area around Jervis Street.
Police units, supported by the presence of a water cannon, dispersed those gathered into other areas of the town towards midnight.
However, the unrest in Northern Ireland appeared of a lower intensity than scenes earlier in the week.
Some gatherings planned in other towns proceeded largely without any major disturbance by 9pm on Thursday.
A significant police presence had been deployed to Ballymena but there was no initial repeat of the violence of previous nights.
Police said a separate protest in east Belfast also ended early in the evening.
The riotous behaviour earlier in the week saw vandalism, vehicles burned and arson attacks on a number of properties across several towns.
Petrol bombs, fireworks, masonry and a hatchet were among items thrown at officers.
Police responded with water cannon, dogs and plastic baton rounds in an attempt to disperse crowds during riots in Ballymena.