NEWS

One of Ballymena’s most important sporting venues is set for a major transformation after plans for a new high-performance 3G hybrid pitch at Ballymena Showgrounds were approved on Thursday. The project will replace the existing natural grass surface in the main arena with a modern all-weather system designed to significantly increase year-round usage, reduce weather-related disruption and create greater opportunities for clubs, schools and community groups across the borough

The scene on Wednesday evening outside Chimney Corner Hotel. (Image: NIbySky) A second night of serious disorder across Northern Ireland has left police officers injured, businesses disrupted, transport services suspended and communities facing renewed uncertainty, as the PSNI launched a major operation to identify those responsible for violence on the streets. Senior police officers say the unrest has now gone far beyond any form of legitimate protest, with petrol bombs, fla

Ten brave volunteers stepped over the edge of one of Northern Ireland’s most recognisable buildings at the weekend, taking on a dramatic abseil down Belfast’s Europa Hotel to raise vital funds for older people across Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne. The fundraising challenge, held on Sunday, 7 June, saw participants descend the side of the iconic city-centre hotel in support of Agewell, helping to generate much-needed income for services that tackle loneliness, improve wel

The family of Stephen Ogilvie have issued an emotional public statement condemning the violence and disorder that followed the attack on their loved one, while appealing for privacy as he continues his recovery in hospital. In a strongly worded message, the family said they had been left “completely devastated” by the attack on Kinnaird Avenue and described the incident as a massive shock that has consumed their focus as they remain by his bedside. They also moved to correct

Families shopping at M&S could see noticeable savings on everything from salmon and mince to eggs, ketchup and freezer staples after the retailer announced a major £30 million investment in lowering food prices across more than 65 everyday products. The move marks one of the retailer’s biggest pushes yet to compete more aggressively for regular weekly food shops, with M&S insisting customers will still get the same quality ingredients and sourcing standards rather than a stri

Vintage tractors, roaring motorcycles and classic engines will roll back into Craigywarren this weekend as one of Mid Antrim’s best-known rural rally events prepares for two packed days of family entertainment, road runs and community celebration in memory of Jackie McLaughlin. The Craigywarren Vintage Rally returns on Friday 12 June and Saturday 13 June, bringing together vintage vehicle enthusiasts, bikers, traders and families from across Northern Ireland for a busy progra

Healthcare workers have reportedly become too afraid to leave their homes for work as escalating unrest begins disrupting frontline health services across Northern Ireland. Appointments have already been cancelled, homecare services impacted and staff allegedly stopped by masked men demanding identification, amid growing fears that intimidation targeting ethnic minority communities is now destabilising parts of the health system. The warnings emerged on Wednesday as politicia

The scene in Bushmills where a car and property were attacked. (Images: McAuley Multimedia) A car fire in the early hours of Wednesday morning is being treated by police as a hate-motivated incident after further damage was discovered at a nearby property. Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after midnight on Wednesday 10 June following reports of a vehicle on fire. Police officers attended alongside crews from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher and Secretary of State Hilary Benn at police headquarters in Belfast today. Disorder that spread across towns and cities in Northern Ireland overnight has been branded an “act of self-harm” against local communities by Chief Constable Jon Boutcher, after violence left homes, businesses and public transport damaged and forced families to flee their homes with children. The PSNI chief issued the stark warning during a media briefing at police headqu

Commuters across Northern Ireland are facing major disruption tonight after Translink announced the suspension of all evening bus and rail services amid fears of unrest linked to expected protests. The unprecedented move means no bus departures will operate after 5pm on Wednesday evening, while all train services will stop departing after 6pm as transport operators brace for potential disorder. The decision is expected to impact thousands of passengers travelling home from wo

The scene on Tuesday night at Cloughfern Roundabout, Newtownabbey 📸 NIbysky The first criminal charge linked to the recent disorder in Northern Ireland is due before the courts today, as police warn a major investigation is continuing with further arrests and prosecutions expected. A 39-year-old man has been charged with riot following his arrest in Newtownabbey on Tuesday night, 9 June 2026. He is scheduled to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday afternoon,

Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows MLA The father of North Belfast attack victim Stephen Ogilvy has made a direct appeal for false rumours about his son’s condition to stop, as the young man remains in intensive care following what has been described as a “horrendous” assault. Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows MLA said he spoke personally with Mr Ogilvy on Wednesday morning, June 10, following Monday night’s attempted murder investigation, and revealed the family

TUV Ballymena councillor Matthew Armstrong A peaceful protest in Ballymena over immigration and border concerns has been praised by TUV representatives, who claimed hundreds of people gathered at the Seven Towers Roundabout without violence following days of heightened tension across Northern Ireland. The statement from TUV Ballymena councillor Matthew Armstrong comes after widespread condemnation of disorder and violence linked to protests elsewhere, including ongoing fallou

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service faced an intense night of emergency callouts on Tuesday as crews responded to dozens of incidents linked to escalating disorder across the Greater Belfast area, with additional appliances drafted in from across Northern Ireland to cope with demand. In an operational update issued shortly after midnight, NIFRS revealed its Regional Control Centre handled 256 calls between 7pm and midnight alone, resulting in attendance at 62 separate inci

A 30-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder following a serious knife attack in north Belfast that left a man in hospital. Detectives investigating the incident in the Kinnaird Avenue area on Monday night confirmed the suspect has also been charged with possession of an article with blade or point in a public place and threats to kill. The charges follow a fast-moving police investigation into the attack, which sparked significant concern in the local community a

The UK Home Office has confirmed that the man arrested over the brutal attempted murder in north Belfast is a Sudanese national who was granted refugee status in the UK after arriving in 2023 — with questions around the attacker’s status sparking a heated Commons clash today involving North Antrim MP Jim Allister and Secretary of State Hilary Benn. In a statement issued on Tuesday afternoon, a Home Office spokesperson said: “We can confirm the individual is a Sudanese nationa

ACC Ryan Henderson speaking to media at police headquarters. A man remains in hospital with devastating injuries to his eyes, face and back after what police have described as a “brutal” attempted murder in north Belfast that has sparked shock, fear and growing political tensions across Northern Ireland. Police confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that a Sudanese man in his 30s remains in custody on suspicion of attempted murder following the attack in the Kinnaird Avenue area on M

Brian Willis hands over his painting to Radiographer Lesley Thompson at Causeway Hospital’s MRI Unit. A heartwarming artwork created by a 90-year-old North Coast artist is helping to bring comfort, colour and conversation to patients attending the MRI Unit at Causeway Hospital. The newly installed painting, titled The MRI Noisemakers, has quickly become a talking point among both staff and patients thanks to its imaginative and playful design — replacing people with teddy bea

Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows MLA speaking on Tuesday in the Northern Ireland Assembly Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows MLA has called for calm across Northern Ireland following a shocking attempted murder in north Belfast that has left a man in a serious condition in hospital. Speaking after raising the incident in the Assembly on Tuesday morning, Mr Burrows condemned what he described as a “barbaric attack” and warned against escalating tensions as graphi

McDonald’s Ballymena Ballymena’s McDonald’s restaurant is set to reopen tomorrow following a major £1.1 million transformation that has expanded the site, modernised operations and created 20 new jobs in the town. The popular restaurant at Braidwater Retail Park has been closed for six weeks while builders moved in for an extensive refurbishment designed to tackle one very modern fast-food problem — too many delivery drivers, too little space, and customers wondering where ex