Hatchet thrown at police as PSNI condemns third night of violent disorder across Northern Ireland

A hatchet thrown toward police officers in Ballymena

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has condemned a third consecutive night of violent disorder, which saw a hatchet thrown directly at police lines, nine officers injured, and six more arrests made as unrest continued to grip towns including Ballymena, Larne and Coleraine on Wednesday, 11 June.

In Ballymena, officers once again came under sustained and dangerous attack. Petrol bombs, heavy masonry, bricks, and fireworks were launched at police during the latest outbreak of violence.

A hatchet was also thrown at officers, which Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson described as “a clear attempt to seriously injure our officers”.

Early Wednesday evening on Bridge Street, Ballymena

Thankfully, none of the nine officers injured during the night sustained serious harm and all remained on duty despite the volatile scenes.

The PSNI confirmed that six individuals were arrested in connection with the ongoing disorder. These included two men in their 20s, one man in his 30s, and two teenagers. A further teenage boy was arrested in the Newtownabbey area for related disorder on Station Road.

Assistant Chief Constable Henderson said:

“Last night a significant policing operation was again required on our streets to deal with violent disorder.

This criminal behaviour has no place on the streets of Northern Ireland and is completely unacceptable.

“What we witnessed last night has caused fear and huge disruption within our communities, including to our local transport network and community services.

“A hatchet was also thrown at police lines during this disorder in a clear attempt to seriously injure our officers – and I thank them once again for their continued efforts putting themselves on the line keeping our streets safe.”

Police water cannon in operation on Wednesday evening on Bridge Street, Ballymena

Police responded with a range of crowd control measures, including the use of Attenuating Energy Projectiles (AEPs) and deployment of a water cannon, as officers attempted to disperse the rioters and restore calm.

Larne Leisure Centre set alight

In Larne, police responded to what they described as a “shameful” arson attack on the local leisure centre. The building was set on fire while people were still inside, although, fortunately, no injuries were reported.

The PSNI has launched an investigation into the circumstances of the blaze.

“We could have been looking at a completely different situation,” said a police spokesperson. “Our enquiries remain ongoing.”

The shameful scenes at Larne Leusure Centre where youths set bins alight and pushed them into the entrance of the building

Roads blocked in Carrickfergus, public transport targeted in Coleraine

In Carrickfergus, masked protestors blocked roads around the Marine Highway area, causing significant traffic disruption.

Meanwhile, Coleraine saw further targeted attacks against public services. Police received reports that a bus was attacked and prevented from entering the train station. Bins were set alight on the train tracks, and petrol bombs were again thrown at officers, prompting the cancellation of both rail and bus services.

A nearby business was also targeted in Coleraine, where young people were reportedly seen breaking into a tyre business and adding tyres to a fire that had already been set.

Protests elsewhere largely peaceful but disruptive

In Belfast, protests took place across the city, primarily in the Shankill and Shore Road areas, causing temporary travel disruption. However, these demonstrations were described as “mainly peaceful”.

Associated protests in Antrim and Lisburn similarly passed without incident.

Police confirmed that calm was restored across all affected areas by around 1am on Thursday morning following a “significant policing operation”.

Castle Street Car Park in Ballymena where police pushed crowds out from the town centre late on Wednesday night

Bridge Street, Ballymena late on Wednesday night

Appeal for information and calm

The PSNI has appealed to the public for help in identifying those responsible for the disorder.

Assistant Chief Constable Henderson said:

“We are now in the process of gathering evidence, CCTV and other footage of yesterday’s disorder, and anyone who has information or who can help identify those responsible is asked to contact police on 101.

“We made six arrests last night during this disorder and more will follow. We are working hard to identify all those responsible in this criminal disorder, and those involved will be dealt with using the full force of the law.

“I would strongly urge anyone who was involved in yesterday’s rioting and disorder to think long and hard about their actions and its impact. I would also appeal for calm voices and cool heads to reduce tensions.”

Anyone with relevant footage—CCTV, mobile phone, or dash cam—is urged to upload it via the Major Incident Public Portal.

Reports can also be submitted through the PSNI’s non-emergency reporting form or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.