Secretary Of State Condemns "Terrible Scenes" Of Disorder

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, has issued a strong condemnation of the recent civil disorder witnessed in Ballymena and other reported locations across Northern Ireland over the past few days. Mr Benn stated there is "no place for this kind of violence in Northern Ireland."

In a statement, the Secretary of State highlighted the need for police to conduct their investigations without interference. "The PSNI must be given the time they need to properly investigate the distressing incident concerned," he said, referring to the events that have preceded the unrest.

Mr Benn unequivocally denounced the attacks on law enforcement and property. "There is absolutely no justification for the disgraceful attacks we have seen on PSNI officers, and on people’s homes and property," he declared. He further asserted that "this appalling violence and vandalism must cease immediately, and those involved will be brought to justice."

The Secretary of State also extended his appreciation to the emergency services and community leaders. "I pay tribute to the PSNI, and those personnel from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who have worked in difficult conditions over the past few days to keep people safe," he remarked. He also expressed gratitude to "those community leaders who are working hard night and day to bring this disorder to an end, and to seek ways in which their area can thrive, rather than be a site of destruction."

The condemnation follows three consecutive nights of unrest in Ballymena, during which police officers sustained injuries and properties were damaged. Reports of disorder have also emerged from other areas, including Larne and Coleraine. The PSNI has made several arrests in connection with the disturbances and is continuing to gather evidence.

Three Charged With Riot Following Ballymena Disorder

Three individuals have been charged to court in connection with the disorder that occurred in Ballymena on Tuesday, 10 June. An 18-year-old man and two teenage boys, aged 15 and 17, have been charged with riot. The 15-year-old also faces an additional charge of criminal damage.

All three are scheduled to appear before Ballymena Magistrates' Court today, Thursday, 12 June.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed that two other teenage boys, who were also arrested during the disorder, have been released on bail to allow for further police enquiries.

Deputy Mayor Calls For Calm In Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Deputy Mayor Jessica Johnston has issued a plea for calm across the council area following social media reports of planned protests. Councillor Johnston emphasised that while the right to protest is fundamental, the recent scenes of civil disorder witnessed across Northern Ireland should not be replicated locally.

"The right to peacefully protest is a crucial aspect of our democracy, but we have seen people going out to deliberately cause violence and mayhem, while stoking racial tension," Councillor Johnston stated. "That is not acceptable anywhere. We have seen other areas descend into unrest and chaos, which achieves nothing except creating fear, hate and division, while also seeing the mindless destruction of people's own areas and vital public services. I don't want to see the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon area be the same."

The Deputy Mayor expressed concern for minority communities, stating: "My heart goes out to all the newcomer and ethnic minority families who will no doubt be feeling fearful at this time. I want to reassure them the vast majority of people in our community are decent, inclusive and welcoming."

Councillor Johnston urged residents to disengage from any planned unrest. "I appeal to anyone looking at social media posts concerning planned protests to avoid them, and to those attempting to organise such protests, I urge to think again – remember there is a young girl at the heart of this situation and please don't use her trauma and pain as an excuse to cause trouble locally."