In Ballymena, Northern Ireland, violent protests erupted following an alleged sexual assault on a local girl, leading to two nights of chaos. Protesters launched attacks at police using petrol bombs, fireworks, and bricks, resulting in injuries to 15 officers. Ethnic minorities became specific targets during this unrest, prompting some residents to display signs of their nationalities in response. Police employed plastic baton rounds and water cannons to control the crowds, which had gathered in significant numbers, ultimately indicating a severe breakdown of community relations and a condemnation of racism in the area.
The violence in Ballymena, which began after an alleged sexual assault on a girl, escalated to the point where police faced attacks with petrol bombs and fireworks.
Our communities are being torn apart by this appalling level of unrest. What we are witnessing is a manifestation of racism targeting ethnic minorities.
Witnesses reported masked protesters hurling bricks and glass bottles at law enforcement, leading to damage and injuries, while police responded with plastic baton rounds and water cannons.
As the violence spread, signs were displayed in residents' windows indicating their nationalities, demonstrating a desperate plea for solidarity amid chaos.
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