Another nine officers injured in third night of ‘completely unacceptable’ disorder in Northern Ireland

Yesterday evening (June 11) in Ballymena, officers once again came under sustained attack with multiple petrol bombs, heavy masonry, bricks and fireworks thrown at them.

“Nine officers were injured – thankfully, none of our officers reported serious injuries – and remained on duty,” the PSNI said.

Two men aged in their 20s and one in their 30s, along with two teenagers were arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour and other offences in connection with the disorder.

Officers also discharged a number of Attenuating Energy Projectiles (AEPs) and the water cannon was deployed once again in an attempt to disperse and calm crowds.

In Larne, officers responded to a report the local leisure centre had been set alight in a “shameful arson attack”.

“Shockingly, people were inside the building at the time of this fire – thankfully no injuries were reported – and we could have been looking at a completely different situation,” said the PSNI.

“Our enquiries remain ongoing today in relation to the circumstances surrounding the fire.”

Meanwhile, in the Marine Highway area of Carrickfergus, some masked protestors blocked local roads – which resulted in traffic disruption.

A teenager was also arrested in the Newtownabbey area in connection with disorder in the Station Road area.

In Coleraine, police received reports that a bus had been attacked, and was prevented from entering the train station.

A number of bins were also set alight on train tracks at the station – and petrol bombs were also thrown at officers – trains and bus services were also cancelled.

The PSNI said it also investigating a fire to nearby business premises and a subsequent report that a number of young people broke into a local tyre business and added tyres to fire.

Associated protests passed without incident in the Antrim and Lisburn areas.

“In Belfast, our officers dealt with a number of protests across the city – these were also mainly peaceful – travel was disrupted within the city for a short period of time in the Shankill and Shore Road areas,” said the PSNI.

“As a result of a significant policing operation calm was restored to all areas at around 1am this morning.”

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson commented: “Last night a significant policing operation was again required on our streets to deal with violent disorder.

“This criminal behaviour has no place on the streets of Northern Ireland and is completely unacceptable.

“What we witnessed last night has caused fear and huge disruption within our communities, including to our local transport network and community services.

“Police officers came under attack from petrol bombs, fireworks and heavy masonry.

“A hatchet was also thrown at police lines during this disorder in a clear attempt to seriously injure our officers – and I thank them once again for their continued efforts putting themselves on the line keeping our streets safe.

“We made six arrests last night during this disorder and more will follow. We are working hard to identify all those responsible in this criminal disorder, and those involved will be dealt with using the full force of the law.

“We are now in the process of gathering evidence, CCTV and other footage of yesterday’s disorder, and anyone who has information or who can help identify those responsible is asked to contact police.”

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has not ruled out making arrangements to “activate mutual aid resources” from Scotland and England to ensure the necessary support to maintain public order, warning that PSNI resourcing levels were not just inadequate but were “dangerous”.

The Northern Ireland Policing Board says it will also have discussions with the chief constable in the coming days on resourcing issues and mutual aid arrangements being put in place.

Policing Board members were updated on the policing response to the violence and disorder in Ballymena, and the policing of protests in other areas of Northern Ireland, at a specially convened briefing.

Policing Board chair Mukesh Sharma said: “Members were updated on the policing plans operationalised over the course of the last two days and the challenges presented for policing in responding to the violence and subsequent disorder that manifested after a peaceful vigil was held in Ballymena following a reported sexual assault. Our thoughts are with the victim of this assault and their family.

“Measures now being taken by the police to reassure the victims of the violence, and the wider community affected, were outlined and discussed.  Board members wanted to know what was now being done by police, and partner agencies, for all those concerned and frightened for their safety and received assurance of a range of actions including standing up the Civil Contingency Multi-Agency Structures.

“Board members also heard about the ferocity of the violence directed at police officers and the police command decisions to deploy water cannon and baton rounds were explained. We thank all the police officers, and emergency service colleagues, for their work in the face of vicious attack, and trust all 32 officers injured will make a full recovery.

“As a board we restate our condemnation of the acts of wanton violence against people, police and property in Ballymena and in other areas. Such violence and racism has no place in our community. The widespread calls for calm, in tandem with condemnation of the disorder and support for policing from political leaders and others, are welcomed. Policing needs the continued support through political and community leadership to bring this violence to an end.”

DUP leader Gavin Robinson says that recent disorder in Ballymena underscores the need for additional resources to be allocated to the PSNI.

He said: “Everyone will be appalled at the scenes of violence in Ballymena, including the vast majority who attended the respectful and peaceful vigil last night.

“There is no place for thuggery or intimidation in our society. I echo all those from the area who have spoken out against such acts and called for the justice system to be allowed to take its course in relation to recent incidents.

“Once again when there is disorder, it is the PSNI who are on the front-line attempting to protect lives and property. The chief constable has been frank in his assessment of the funding pressures facing the PSNI, and I have been resolute in my support for his call for additional resources. The DUP will continue to advocate for adequate and sustainable funding for policing in Northern Ireland.

“The chief constable has previously taken his concerns directly to the Prime Minister and it is incumbent upon the Government to ensure the PSNI can protect the people of Northern Ireland.

“It can be no surprise to anyone that chronic underfunding has real world consequences, and there is an undeniable need to recruit more police officers. We cannot reverse the neglect of policing budgets across recent years overnight, but there must be recognition in government of those pressures and a meaningful intervention to assist.”