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63 Officers injured in Northern Ireland disorder as PSNI release images of suspects

  • Writer: Love Ballymena
    Love Ballymena
  • Jun 13
  • 3 min read

Police have released images of four individuals wanted for questioning in connection with violent disorder across Northern Ireland, and revealed that 63 officers ihave been injured over the four nights of unrest.


The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed on Friday that officers were targeted with petrol bombs, fireworks and other projectiles during a series of attacks, most significantly in Portadown, as public order teams came under sustained and dangerous assault.



Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said:


“Last night the public will have seen large scale police deployments across Northern Ireland. In Portadown, Police came under significant and sustained attack from rioters. It was clear they were intent on attacking homes and businesses in the town and on attacking the police.”


“During this time police lines came under attack from heavy masonry, fireworks, beer kegs and petrol bombs,” he added.



Police have now launched a dedicated public order investigation and released images of four individuals they are seeking to identify. Officers are urging members of the public to view the photos and come forward with any relevant information.


Suspect 1: UKM18A / UKM18B


Suspect 2: UKM15A / UKM15B


Suspects 3 & 4: UKM19 / UKM29



In a further disturbing incident, a hate-motivated arson attack occurred in Coleraine where a family home — occupied by parents and their three young children — was set alight.



Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson


ACC Henderson described the attack as “very distressing”, adding:


“This was an awful hate motivated attack.”


Though Ballymena remained calm, largely thanks to local appeals, police praised the influence of family members who publicly called for peace:


“I hope the powerful words and wishes of the family who asked for calm, at what must be an unimaginably difficult time for them, were both heard and respected and will continue to be heard and respected over the coming days,” said Mr Henderson.



The PSNI confirmed that 63 officers have been injured since the violence began earlier this week.


“Many of those officers stayed on the line despite their injuries. I commend their bravery and determination,” Henderson said. “These are men and women working to protect their communities and the attacks against them must stop.”


Police have arrested 17 people so far, with 13 charged and four already remanded in custody. The PSNI reiterated that further arrests are imminent and investigations are ongoing.


“From day one we have said there will be consequences for those who choose to riot and that accountability would follow for their actions,” Henderson stated.



Addressing claims that the unrest is about protecting women and girls, Henderson said:


“Some of those perpetrating this violence claim to be protecting women and girls. This is simply not true, they are criminal acts… Destroying and vandalising local communities does not make our towns safer for women and girls and to claim otherwise is nonsense.”


The Assistant Chief Constable also issued a strong warning to those posting hateful or inciteful messages online, stressing that online activity is also under active investigation:


“To those posting hate on social media, inciting disorder or being seen to commit disorder we are actively investigating what you have said and what you have been captured doing.”



Looking ahead to the weekend, ACC Henderson confirmed that there will be a continued heavy police presence, bolstered by Mutual Aid officers from Scotland, working alongside PSNI units to ensure public safety.


He concluded with a firm plea:


“Finally, I would reiterate my appeal for calm in the days ahead. Let Northern Ireland return to normal and start the process of recovery.”



Public urged to help identify suspects


The PSNI is urging the public to examine the images released and assist with identification. Anyone with information or relevant footage is encouraged to contact the police or submit evidence through official channels:





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