Police confirm 100 arrests in Ballymena summer disorder investigation

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has confirmed that 100 people have now been arrested as part of its ongoing investigation into the serious disorder that unfolded in Ballymena during the summer.

To date, 91 individuals have been charged with offences including riot, arson with intent to endanger life, and burglary with intent to cause arson. All of these cases are currently being prosecuted before the courts.

Photographs of 60 potential suspects were previously issued to the public, leading to 49 arrests so far.

Detective Chief Inspector Michael O’Loan from the PSNI’s Serious Crime Branch said:

“On Monday, 9th June hate motivated, serious public disorder unfolded in Ballymena which saw the homes of ethnic minority families destroyed and violent crowds attack police officers.

“Consecutive nights of sustained disorder in Ballymena and other parts of Northern Ireland followed until calm was restored.”

A dedicated investigation team was established to ensure a detailed and coordinated response.

“A dedicated investigation team was established to carry out a focused investigation into what happened and we brought together specialist resources to ensure a thorough and swift review was conducted,”

DCI O’Loan continued.

“Our investigation team worked through over 1,000 hours of CCTV, Evidence Gathering and Body Worn Video footage, and a large volume of online material in order to help identify the people responsible for attacking homes and businesses, public disorder, attacks on police officers and intimidating members of the ethnic minority communities.”

He said the work of the investigation team has been crucial in helping restore calm and build community confidence:

“This team’s work has been vital in restoring calm and providing reassurance to local communities in Ballymena and across Northern Ireland by identifying, and holding those responsible accountable for their actions.”

However, a number of suspects remain unidentified.

“A number of suspects remain unidentified and their images have been published on our website and social media platforms,” said DCI O’Loan.

“I would appeal to these individuals to come forward and hand themselves into the police or if you know who they are please tell us.”

Members of the public can view the images of outstanding suspects on the PSNI website and are urged to share any information that could assist the investigation.

“The Police Service remains committed to maintaining public order, and we would strongly encourage anyone with information about what happened or who was involved to make contact with us.

“Photos and footage, including CCTV, mobile phone or dash cam footage that could help our investigation, can continue to be shared with us through the Major Incident Public Portal at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI25U11-PO1.”

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

Concluding, DCI O’Loan reaffirmed the PSNI’s stance against hate crime:

“The Police Service of Northern Ireland will do everything we can to prevent hate crime and bring those responsible to justice.

“We do not underestimate the impact hate crimes have on victims, their families and wider communities.

“It is totally unacceptable that anyone is targeted because of their race. No one should feel intimated or threatened due to their ethnicity and officers will continue to pursue justice for the victims of hate-related crime.”