In Ballymena, escalating violence has led families to display signs of their nationalities in an effort to safeguard their homes from rioters. The disorder, described by the Police Service of Northern Ireland as racist thuggery, ignited following a call for a peaceful protest regarding a purported serious assault. Amid the unrest, which has seen substantial police injuries and extensive property damage, authorities are treating the violence as racially motivated, condemning the attacks on minority communities while urging solidarity with affected residents.
The violent disorder has been slammed as racist thuggery and mob rule by the Police Service of Northern Ireland, who told those threatened or affected by the attacks: We are with you.
Masked rioters hurled a hatchet, multiple petrol bombs, masonry, bricks and fireworks at officers in the third night of clashes in Ballymena on Wednesday.
Chief inspector Mullan said: We absolutely condemn these disgraceful attacks on our minority ethnic friends and neighbours. Those responsible are endangering not only the lives of those targeted.
Two 14-year-old boys had appeared in court over the incident that morning, where they denied the charges against them through a Romanian interpreter.
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