PSNI makes daily arrests as investigations continue into “race-motivated” disorder and arson across NI
- Love Ballymena
- 6 minutes ago
- 3 min read
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has confirmed that its officers, supported by the Public Order Enquiry Team, are continuing to make daily arrests in response to recent disorder across the region, with 28 individuals detained in the past week alone.
Among the latest arrests is a 25-year-old man from Larne who was taken into custody following a house search over the weekend.
He was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life in connection with a major fire at Larne Leisure Centre. The local sporting facility was set alight during the race-motivated unrest that unfolded on Wednesday, 11th June, causing significant damage.
A PSNI spokesperson confirmed: “He remains in custody at this time.”
The PSNI reports that Sunday night, 15th June, marked the second consecutive night of reduced disorder, with police responding to sporadic incidents at various locations. However, tensions remain high, and the force expects further arrests in the coming days and weeks.
Court charges and youth involvement
Four individuals have been charged to appear before court today, Monday 16th June. Those charged include:
A 13-year-old girl, charged with riot, in connection with the disturbances in Ballymena on Wednesday, 11th June.
A 40-year-old man, also charged with riot, relating to the initial night of unrest in Ballymena on Monday, 9th June.
A 33-year-old woman, charged with child cruelty in relation to the disorder.
A 32-year-old man, charged with sending menacing messages via a public communications network, encouraging or assisting offences, and possession of a Class B controlled drug. He is due to appear at Coleraine Magistrates’ Court today.
Investigations into hate rime and community reassurance
Incidents of hate crime are also being probed, including racist graffiti in Bangor and on an unoccupied house in Chadwick Street, south Belfast. Police are treating these as race-motivated.
Elsewhere, in Brompton Park, Ardoyne, a group of around 30 youths set a wheelie bin alight. Police engagement on the ground prevented the situation from escalating further.
Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones praised the calmer scenes over the weekend but reaffirmed the PSNI’s zero-tolerance approach to criminality.
“Our heightened presence in our local communities and continued community engagement to de-escalate violence continued last night. Thankfully, similar to Saturday, the situation was much calmer,” said ACC Jones.
She issued a direct plea to families:
“I am asking for continued conversations amongst local families to deter young people from criminalising themselves.”
Support for affected communities
ACC Jones highlighted the ongoing outreach by PSNI leadership to affected communities:
“Our Chief Constable and other members of the senior team have been meeting with local community representatives… to support them as best we can and offer reassurance of our policing operation to restore calm.”
She continued, “Everyone deserves to feel safe on our streets… 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.”
The PSNI confirmed that none of its officers on duty during Sunday night’s disorder were injured. However, 64 officers are currently recovering from injuries sustained during earlier incidents.
“I commend their bravery and unwavering efforts,” said ACC Jones.
Public appeal for information
As part of its ongoing investigation, the PSNI has released images of individuals they wish to identify.
“In releasing these images, I am asking the wider community to step forward and help us… it is in all of our interests, and in the interests of justice,” ACC Jones stated.
Anyone who can identify individuals shown in the released images is urged to contact police on 101 or via the Major Incident Public Portal:
Additional reports can be made online at:
Alternatively, anonymous tips can be submitted to Crimestoppers:
📞 0800 555 111 or 🔗 http://crimestoppers-uk.org/
ACC Jones concluded with a renewed appeal:
“We are grateful for the support of all who condemn this criminality and would, once more, repeat our appeal for calm across Northern Ireland in the coming days.”