In Co Antrim, violent protests erupted after an alleged sexual assault led to unrest over three nights, resulting in vandalism, vehicle fires, and injuries to 41 police officers. Police responded with heavy methods in an attempt to control the rioting, which involved the use of petrol bombs and other projectiles. Mr. Boutcher called for an end to the violence, emphasizing the need to protect communities and uphold civil order. Authorities expressed a commitment to pursuing those involved in the unrest, with multiple arrests having already been made.
Mr Boutcher said a young girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in Ballymena at the weekend - an incident that triggered protests that descended into violence in the Co Antrim town - had been "further traumatised" by the rioting that has been witnessed since Monday.
"Stop this violence," he said. "We will come after you. We will arrest you. We will prosecute you successfully. It is not in any way a way for a civilised society to behave and it must stop now."
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