POLICE have now arrested 31 individuals in connection with the Northern Ireland unrest that erupted across several areas last week. The Northern Ireland unrest arrests come after a series of violent incidents in Ballymena and beyond.
As of today, 23 people — including a 13‑year‑old girl and her mother — are facing charges linked to last week’s disturbances. Among them, two teenage boys have been charged with attempted rape following reports of a sexual assault involving a young girl over the weekend.
During their recent court hearing, the boys — who required a Romanian interpreter — denied the charges.
What began as a peaceful vigil over the alleged assault tragically spiralled into conflict. Bullets were thrown at the police. Properties linked to ethnic minority communities were targeted in racially motivated attacks. The Northern Ireland unrest arrests include suspects believed to have instigated or participated in these actions.
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson commented: “Recent days have been calmer. However, this does not mean our investigations into those responsible for the racially motivated attacks will lose momentum.”
He added: “We are continuing to review our evidence gathered over the days of disorder and are robustly investigating the disorder. We will be making more arrests and delivering justice to those responsible for these racially motivated attacks and associated posts on social media.”
Police stress that ongoing investigations into hate-fuelled violence and online posts will continue, with more arrests expected.
Quick Facts
- 31 arrests made so far
- 23 individuals charged, including a juvenile and her parent
- Two teenage boys facing attempted rape charges
- Racially motivated attacks against minority communities
- Further arrests and legal action expected
Police investigations remain active. Authorities promise further action against those responsible, both for violent acts and offensive social media content tied to the unrest.
The community waits to see whether calm will return or tensions will escalate again. For now, Northern Ireland unrest arrests and investigations continue to dominate headlines.
