Second Night of Violence Erupts in Ballymena, NI, with Homes, Cars Torched, Multiple Arrests

Violence erupted for a second consecutive night in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, following a protest over an alleged sexual assault on a teenage girl. Rioters launched petrol bombs, fireworks, and stones at police, setting homes, vehicles, and businesses on fire, prompting the deployment of riot police who used water cannons and less-lethal rounds to disperse crowds. Police described the unrest as "racist thuggery" and reported injuries to 33 officers over two nights, with multiple arrests made, including a man charged with riotous behavior. The disorder spread to nearby areas such as Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus, and north Belfast, where a car was set alight and bus services were disrupted. Local officials condemned the violence, emphasizing the need to focus on addressing violence against women and girls rather than the unrest. Calm was eventually restored after 1am, but police continue to appeal for information to identify those responsible and prevent further disturbances.