Man arrested in Ballymena after alleged ‘machete’ incident released unconditionally

Police in Ballymena arrested a 19-year-old man after reports circulated online alleging a migrant male had produced what witnesses described as a “machete” during an incident near Braidwater Retail Park at the weekend.

The incident sparked widespread discussion on social media locally after claims emerged that the man had allegedly behaved inappropriately outside KFC, on the Larne Road Link, before being confronted by members of the public.

The individual is understood to have been living in a tent in a nearby subway passage in the area.

Police investigation led to arrest

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has confirmed officers arrested a 19-year-old man following a report of an incident in the Braidwater Retail Park area of Ballymena on Sunday, 17 May.

Police said the man was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including common assault, possessing an offensive weapon in a public place, and resisting police.

However, following further enquiries, the PSNI confirmed the suspect was later released unconditionally.

In a statement, police said:

“A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including common assault, possessing an offensive weapon in a public place and resisting police following a report of an incident in the Braidwater Retail Park area of Ballymena on Sunday 17th May.

“Following further enquiries, the man was released unconditionally and issued with a Community Resolution Notice (CRN) for resisting police.”

Community concern spread rapidly online

The tent located in a local subway in Ballymena where the male was sleeping

Discussion surrounding the incident spread quickly across Ballymena social media pages over the weekend, with residents expressing concern over the allegations and claims circulating online about the circumstances leading up to the arrest.

While police confirmed an offensive weapon allegation formed part of their initial investigation, no further action was taken against the man in relation to those claims following enquiries by officers.

The only outcome confirmed by police was the issuing of a Community Resolution Notice in relation to resisting police.

A CRN is a non-court disposal used by police to deal with low-level offences where formal prosecution is not considered necessary.

It is understood that police have since moved the male on from where he was sleeping in the town following the incident.