Northern Ireland Police Face Fourth Night of Violence, 41 Officers Injured

Northern Ireland has experienced four consecutive nights of violent unrest, with police coming under attack during protests in multiple towns including Portadown and Ballymena. The disorder was sparked by protests following an alleged sexual assault in Ballymena, leading to clashes where missiles such as masonry, fireworks, and petrol bombs were thrown at officers, resulting in 41 police injuries and 15 arrests. PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher condemned the violence, warning those responsible of robust legal consequences and emphasizing the trauma caused to the victim and her family. Despite a heavy police presence, including reinforcements from Police Scotland under Mutual Aid, clashes continued particularly in Portadown, where fires were set and riot police used water cannon to disperse crowds. The unrest has caused significant public disorder and damage, with legal authorities signaling a strong judicial response and officials warning of the high financial costs of policing the disturbances. While some towns saw less intense violence, the overall situation remains tense with calls for the violence to end immediately.