Colin Crawford MLA condemns Ballymena violence: “We cannot go back”

The scene late on Wednesday night at Castle Street Car Park, Ballymena when TSG officers pushed crowds out of the area.

Inset: UUP MLA for North Antrim, Colin Crawford

Ulster Unionist Party MLA for North Antrim, Colin Crawford, has strongly condemned the recent outbreak of violence and disorder in Ballymena, warning that such actions are distracting from the very issues that prompted public concern.

The remarks follow a series of violent incidents that erupted after a peaceful protest in Harryville earlier in the week. The protest was held in response to the alleged assault of a young girl, an incident that has shocked the local community and prompted calls for justice.

“I attended the peaceful protest in Harryville on Monday evening, along with many others, to show support for the young girl who was recently assaulted,” Mr Crawford stated.

“My thoughts are with her and her family. No one should ever have to endure such trauma, and no family should have to carry that pain.”

However, Mr Crawford expressed deep concern that what followed the protest was “completely unacceptable.”

He said:

“Peaceful protest is a right, but violence, disorder and racism are not, it drowns out genuine concerns and brings misery to the very communities people claim to stand up for. I’ve been on the ground and will continue to work to bring the violence to an end. We cannot, and must not, allow this to continue. Northern Ireland has already seen where this kind of behaviour leads, and we cannot go back.”

In recent days, there have been reports of racially motivated attacks, threats, and disorderly conduct across parts of Ballymena. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has responded with increased patrols and ongoing investigations.

Mr Crawford stressed the importance of standing against hatred and supporting those who have chosen to make Northern Ireland their home.

“Many people come to Northern Ireland, make it their home, and contribute positively to our economy. Turning against them is not who we are, and it must never become who we are.”

He also urged full support for law enforcement, calling for those responsible for the violence to be held accountable.

“The PSNI must be backed to do their job, to investigate these crimes and bring those responsible before the courts, who in turn must pass down sentences that reflect the seriousness of the crimes.”

Mr Crawford concluded by warning of the broader consequences of lawlessness:

“That’s how we stand with victims. Violence and criminality cause more harm, destroy lives, damage the reputation of entire communities, and place even greater strain on an already overstretched police force.”

The Ulster Unionist MLA’s comments come amid rising political and community calls for calm, accountability, and a recommitment to peaceful civic discourse across Northern Ireland.