TUV leaders speak out after Ballymena sexual assault as victim’s father urges community support

Inset: TUV Party Leader Jim Allister MP, and Timothy Gaston MLA

TUV North Antrim MP Jim Allister and MLA Timothy Gaston have spoken out following the serious sexual assault of a teenage girl in Ballymena on Saturday evening, 7th June, calling for justice, stronger policing, and accountability around immigration and crime prevention spending.

The attack took place in the Clonavon Terrace area of the town between 7.30pm and 10.30pm. Two teenage boys have since been charged with attempted rape and are due to appear before Coleraine Magistrates’ Court this morning, Monday 9th June.

It is understood police are seeking a third young man in connection with the incident.

TUV condemns attack and highlights broader issues

Jim Allister MP described the incident as “shocking in all respects” and referenced wider community tensions:

“The serious sexual assault in Ballymena is shocking in all respects. The apparent overlap with immigration tensions is an added dimension of concern,” he said.

“Those commenting on social media should be careful not to prejudice the judicial process which must now bring justice to this situation. Meanwhile my thoughts are very much with the young girl and her family.”

TUV MLA Timothy Gaston also extended his sympathy and raised concerns over both public safety and government spending:

“Once again Ballymena has hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons after another young girl was sexually assaulted. My thoughts are with the girl at what must be a traumatic time.”

He added:

“Since being co-opted to Stormont I have constantly raised the concerns over immigration in Ballymena.”

“Over the last number of months I’ve also been pressing the Executive Office about its spending under the much-trumpeted Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy. I am baffled that so much of the funding from this programme appears to have been awarded to councils for grants, rather than the primary agency responsible for crime prevention – the PSNI.”

Gaston further expressed unease over the location of the assault:

“I am glad to see the police have two people arrested and they are in custody but I’m very concerned that this attack took place on the doorstep of the station. The police need to be a visible presence within areas such as Clonavon to provide reassure to the public that this area of the town is safe.”

Police Investigation and Appeal for Information

Detective Inspector Olphert of the Police Service’s Public Protection Branch confirmed the arrests and the seriousness of the case:

“This serious sexual assault occurred yesterday, Saturday 7th June, in the Clonavon Terrace area sometime between 7.30pm and 10.30pm.

“Two teenage boys have since been arrested in connection with the investigation, and are being questioned in custody.

“Specialist officers are continuing to support the girl who has been left extremely distressed and traumatised by what has happened.”

The two teenagers have now been charged with attempted rape, and are due to appear before Coleraine Magistrates’ Court this morning, Monday 9th June. As per standard procedure, their charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

Detectives have urged the public not to speculate online:

“We would reiterate to the public not to speculate or share information on social media – this is not helpful towards the ongoing investigation.”

Anyone who was in the Clonavon Terrace or Waveney Road area that evening is urged to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1522 07/06/25, or to report online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Community anger and protest planned

One ominous warning painted in Ballykeel

The attack has sparked outrage across Ballymena, with residents expressing their shock and condemnation on social media. Graffiti appeared on walls in areas such as Harryville and Ballykeel on Sunday night.

The father of the teenage girl has now called on the community and local representatives to show support by attending a peaceful protest. The gathering is set to take place on Monday evening, 9th June, at 7.30pm at Ken’s Car Park in the Harryville area.

He urged the community to “come and support” his family at this difficult time, as the town comes to terms with the horrific assault.

If you have been affected by issues in this story, support is available through:

• Nexus NI: 0808 802 1414

• Victim Support NI: 028 9024 3133

• Women’s Aid: 028 2563 2136