Ballymena experienced a second consecutive night of serious rioting and disorder on Tuesday in the Clonavon Terrace area, where police officers came under "sustained attack" for several hours.

The unrest saw multiple petrol bombs, heavy masonry, bricks, and fireworks directed at officers.

Earlier in the evening, smaller protests took place in other areas, including Belfast, Lisburn, Coleraine, and Newtownabbey. In Carrickfergus, at approximately 8:30pm, a group of 20-30 young people set two bins alight and threw bottles and masonry at police in the Sunnylands area. Bins were also set on fire at the O'Neill Road roundabout in Newtownabbey.

During the serious disorder in Ballymena, authorised officers deployed a number of Attenuating Energy Projectiles (AEPs) and the water cannon in an attempt to disperse the crowds. Businesses and homes in the area were attacked and damaged, and several vehicles were set on fire.

17 police officers sustained injuries during the disturbances, with some requiring hospital treatment.

Police have confirmed that five individuals were arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour in Ballymena and remain in police custody. Additionally, a male was arrested on suspicion of disorderly behaviour on the O'Neill Road in Newtownabbey.

A number of nearby roads were closed by police to ensure public safety and to allow officers to manage the situation, but all roads have since been reopened.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher condemned the "mindless violence witnessed over the past two nights in Ballymena," labelling it "deeply concerning and utterly unacceptable." He stated that these "criminal acts not only endanger lives but also risk undermining the ongoing criminal justice process led by the PSNI in support of a victim who deserves truth, justice, and protection."

The Chief Constable warned that the violence "threatens to derail the very pursuit of justice it claims to challenge," adding: "Let me be clear: this behaviour must stop. I appeal to everyone involved to cease all further acts of criminality and disorder immediately." Mr Boutcher pledged that the PSNI would "pursue those responsible and bring them to justice," confirming that an investigation would begin, reviewing "all evidence gathered, including video footage," and that "images of the individuals involved will be released to identify offenders." He issued a stark warning: "Do not throw away your future and do not continue to endanger or intimidate the lives of others."

Addressing those affected by the violence, he said: "To those who have been threatened or affected by this violence: we are with you. You deserve safety and justice, and we will find and prosecute those responsible. Hate-fuelled acts and mob rule do nothing but tear at the fabric of our society—they resolve nothing and serve no one."

The Chief Constable paid tribute to the "women and men of the Police Service of Northern Ireland," praising their "unwavering professionalism, courage, and resolve" despite immense financial pressures. He reiterated that officers are "putting themselves in harm's way to keep people safe resulting in further unacceptable injuries - they are a credit to us all."

Mr Boutcher also highlighted the long-standing issue of underfunding for the PSNI, stating that since 2010, the service has been "critically underfunded." He argued that this "neglect takes no account of the enormous demands placed on us by legacy issues or the unique challenges of policing in a post-conflict society. Our resourcing levels are not just inadequate—they are dangerous."

In response to the current unrest, the Chief Constable announced plans to "activate mutual aid resources to ensure we have the necessary support to maintain public order and bring offenders to justice." He concluded by asserting that "the PSNI is a cornerstone of our society's peace and security. It is time it was treated—and funded—accordingly."

A report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/

Photos and footage, including CCTV, mobile phone or dash cam footage, can be shared with police through the Major Incident Public Portal at mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI25U11-PO1