Riots Erupt in Ballymena, Northern Ireland Following Alleged Sexual Assault

Public disorder erupted in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, following a protest over an alleged sexual assault involving two 14-year-old boys charged with attempted rape. The unrest saw masked youths throwing missiles, including paint cans and glass bottles, at police officers and vehicles, setting fires to houses and street barricades, and causing property damage. Police Service Northern Ireland deployed riot officers to the area, urging calm and responsible behavior while advising motorists and pedestrians to avoid Clonavon Road amid ongoing operations. Footage circulating on social media showed intense scenes of fire, smoke, and violent clashes between protesters and police. Authorities emphasized their priority was community safety and called for cooperation to restore order. The teenagers involved, who spoke through an interpreter, appeared in court earlier the same day, escalating tensions in the town.