12/11/2025
91 Charges Brought Since Summer Disorder In Ballymena
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is continuing its extensive investigation into the serious public disorder that erupted in Ballymena this summer.
The disorder began on Monday, 9 June, with hate-motivated violence that saw the homes of ethnic minority families destroyed and police officers attacked. The violence was sustained over consecutive nights before calm was eventually restored.
To date, the focused investigation team has made 100 arrests, with 91 individuals subsequently charged for offences including riot, arson with intent to endanger life, and burglary with intent to cause arson. These cases are now being pursued through the courts.
Detective Chief Inspector Michael O’Loan from Serious Crime Branch confirmed the teams intensive work: "Our investigation team worked through over 1,000 hours of CCTV, Evidence Gathering and Body Worn Video footage, and a large volume of online material." The analysis was vital in identifying those responsible for the violence, public disorder, and the intimidation of ethnic minority communities.
The police had previously issued photographs of 60 potential suspects, which directly led to 49 arrests. A number of suspects still remain unidentified, and their images have been published online. DCI OLoan appealed directly to these individuals to surrender to police or for anyone who recognises them to provide information. The PSNI stressed its commitment to preventing hate crime and ensuring that no one feels intimidated or threatened due to their ethnicity.
The disorder began on Monday, 9 June, with hate-motivated violence that saw the homes of ethnic minority families destroyed and police officers attacked. The violence was sustained over consecutive nights before calm was eventually restored.
To date, the focused investigation team has made 100 arrests, with 91 individuals subsequently charged for offences including riot, arson with intent to endanger life, and burglary with intent to cause arson. These cases are now being pursued through the courts.
Detective Chief Inspector Michael O’Loan from Serious Crime Branch confirmed the teams intensive work: "Our investigation team worked through over 1,000 hours of CCTV, Evidence Gathering and Body Worn Video footage, and a large volume of online material." The analysis was vital in identifying those responsible for the violence, public disorder, and the intimidation of ethnic minority communities.
The police had previously issued photographs of 60 potential suspects, which directly led to 49 arrests. A number of suspects still remain unidentified, and their images have been published online. DCI OLoan appealed directly to these individuals to surrender to police or for anyone who recognises them to provide information. The PSNI stressed its commitment to preventing hate crime and ensuring that no one feels intimidated or threatened due to their ethnicity.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Quite cloudy with some rain to start. Variable amounts of cloud and sunny spells during the day along with scattered slow moving showers, occasionally heavy and thundery. Maximum temperature 20 °C.Tonight:Partly cloudy this evening with any remaining heavy showers soon clearing away. The rest of the night will then be largely cloudy with the risk of a few showers later. Minimum temperature 12 °C.