Police confirm 31 arrests in wake of “racially-motivated” disorder across Northern Ireland
- Love Ballymena
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has confirmed that 31 individuals have been arrested in connection with a series of racially-motivated incidents and public disorder across the region last week.
To date, 23 people have been charged following widespread disturbances that have affected several towns and cities including Larne, Portadown, Belfast, Ballymena, and Derry/Londonderry.
As part of the ongoing investigation, police have charged a 25-year-old man with perverting the course of justice in relation to an arson attack that caused significant damage to Larne Leisure Centre on Wednesday, 11 June. He is scheduled to appear at Ballymena Magistrates’ Court today, Tuesday 17 June.
In a separate incident, officers investigating disorder in Portadown on Thursday 12 June have charged two men. A 37-year-old has been charged with two counts of riot and appeared at Lisburn Magistrates’ Court on Monday 16 June. A second man, aged 32, faces one count of riot and is due to appear at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court today.
Protests continued on Monday night in several areas, including the Shankill and Shore Roads in Belfast, and Clonavon Terrace and Waveney Road in Ballymena, though police described these gatherings as “largely peaceful.”
However, in Derry/Londonderry, disorder erupted in the Nailors Row area between 9.30pm and midnight. During the unrest, fireworks and masonry were thrown at police officers, resulting in injuries to three officers—two struck by masonry and one by a firework.
An 18-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour and has been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said investigations remain active and determined, despite a recent decline in tensions.
“Recent days have been calmer. However, this does not mean our investigations into those responsible for the racially-motivated attacks will lose momentum. We are continuing to review our evidence gathered over the days of disorder and are robustly investigating the disorder.
“We will be making more arrests and delivering justice to those responsible for these racially-motivated attacks and associated posts on social media.”
He added that police visibility will remain high in affected areas:
“Our heightened presence in towns and cities and engagement will continue as we work to keep people safe.”
ACC Henderson reaffirmed the PSNI’s commitment to protecting all members of society from hate-fuelled criminality:
“Everyone deserves to feel safe on our streets. So, just as we will seek justice for women and girls who report heinous crimes to us, we will also seek justice for local innocent families who are being targeted by criminality fuelled by hate.”
He also issued a warning to young people enticed into the disorder:
“We will continue to robustly investigate the disorder over the last number of days but do not want to see any more young people criminalised by being caught up in this activity.”
As part of the ongoing operation, the PSNI has released images of individuals they wish to speak with and is calling on the public to assist in identifying them.
Anyone who recognises the individuals or has relevant information is urged to contact police on 101 or via the Major Incident Public Portal at:
Members of the public can also submit images, videos, or other evidence through the portal, including CCTV, mobile phone and dash cam footage.
Non-emergency reports can be submitted online at:
Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously with Crimestoppers via:
📞 0800 555 111 or 🌐 www.crimestoppers-uk.org