Ballymena sees calm as PSNI condemns fourth consecutive night of violence across Northern Ireland

The scene early Thursday evening in the Harryville area of Ballymena

In contrast to other parts of Northern Ireland, Ballymena remained peaceful last night (Thursday 12 June), even as the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) condemned a fourth consecutive night of disorder elsewhere, including significant violence in Portadown.

Local residents, and community representatives were joined by four local councillors, including Councillor Rodney Quigley (Independent), Councillor Jackson Minford (UUP), Councillor Tyler Hoey (DUP), and Councillor Matthew Warwick (TUV), who have been on the ground over the last few nights of unrest, and issued a joint statement appealing for calm in the days ahead.

"Our town needs time to take stock, reflect and recover from the events of the last few days. We hope that people will support the wishes of the local community and stay away from the affected areas.”

In the early Thursday evening, local concern emerged when four police landrovers closed off Harryville Bridge, just before Railway Street in the town. The roadblock prompted a response from North Antrim TUV MLA Timothy Gaston, who was on the ground and shared an update at 6:30pm on Thursday evening.

“I made my feeling clear to the police that there was no need to block Harryville at this stage of the night,” said Mr Gaston.

With the area cordoned off, workers and residents along Railway Street were forced to use Ladysmyth Terrace to gain access. These alternative routes, which are unadopted and riddled with potholes, caused some disruption.

At 7:45pm, Mr Gaston confirmed that the situation had eased:

“Police have reopened the roads and footpaths around Harryville bridge but will be remaining in the area.”

He added a balanced call for both order and proportionality:

“Violence is wrong but common sense is required.”

While the town of Ballymena did not experience the rioting and unrest that has plagued recent nights, there were concerning incidents in other locations.

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson acknowledged the difference, saying:

“We saw calm in Ballymena and I hope the powerful words of the family who asked for calm during this really difficult time were heard and continue to be heard over the coming days.”

Violence in Portadown and elsewhere

The most serious unrest occurred in Portadown, where PSNI officers were subjected to a sustained and violent assault involving heavy masonry and fireworks. Over the course of several hours, twenty-two officers were injured as they attempted to restore order.

“Last night in Portadown police came under sustained attack from rioters throwing masonry and other missiles,” said ACC Henderson. “Officers deployed a variety of public order tactics to restore order to the town as quickly as possible.”

Two individuals – a woman in her 50s and a man in his 30s – were arrested in connection with the disorder on suspicion of riotous behaviour and other offences.

“Two arrests were made in Portadown last night and more will follow,” ACC Henderson confirmed.

Despite the scale of the disorder, the PSNI noted that there were no reports of injuries to the public or damage to property.

Protests and hate incidents

Elsewhere, smaller protests were reported, including a largely peaceful demonstration in East Belfast, which briefly disrupted travel around Templemore Avenue. However, the same area saw a racially motivated incident in which bricks were thrown through the windows of two homes on Avoniel Road.

In Newtownabbey, police responded to a protest at Carrick roundabout and extinguished a small fire at Manse Road roundabout. Officers are also investigating reports of anti-immigration hate graffiti in Newtownards.

Perhaps the most distressing incident occurred in Coleraine, where a house fire in the Mount Street area is being treated as both deliberate and racially motivated. A family with three young children was forced to evacuate the property.

Appeal for calm and public assistance

Assistant Chief Constable Henderson reiterated his appeal for calm across Northern Ireland, stating:

“I repeat, once more, our appeal for calm across Northern Ireland in the coming days.”

The PSNI is encouraging anyone with relevant footage or information to assist with their ongoing investigations. Members of the public can upload CCTV, mobile phone, or dash cam footage to the Major Incident Public Portal: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI25U11-PO1

Information can also be submitted via the PSNI’s non-emergency reporting form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

As tensions remain high in several parts of Northern Ireland, the calm in Ballymena offers a moment of relief — and a reminder of the vital role community voices play in promoting peace.