Masked thugs set fire to leisure centre housing migrant families as Ballymena violence erupts for third night
11 June 2025, 18:55 | Updated: 12 June 2025, 09:18
Tensions continue to rise in Ballymena after masked thugs set fire to a leisure centre housing displaced migrant families overnight, marking a third night of unrest in the area.
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Footage circulated on social media shows masked thugs smashing windows and setting fires outside the leisure centre in Larne, County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
The site, used as temporarily housing for those displaced from the nearby town of Ballymena since violence erupted, was at the centre of the violence, with masked groups poised in nearby Larne, ready for clashes.
"Force is about to be used against violent individuals," was the message announced by police over tannoys.
Local Alliance MLA Danny Donnelly announced that the leisure centre "has been attacked by masked thugs".
"Windows smashed and fires lit nearby," he posted wrote online, adding that "Larne does not need this."
He said "a brick went through a window when a yoga class was on", adding "staff had to barricade themselves and run out the back door".
Donnelly called the group carrying out the attack "thugs" and he was "absolutely disgusted".
The Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said the facility was designated an emergency rest centre for those who urgently need refuge amid the violence in Ballymena.
It added that their families had been safely relocated elsewhere.
Crowds have been seen clashing with police who once again deployed a water cannon to keep the rioters at bay.
Police said earlier on Wednesday locals woke up this morning "with genuine fear for their lives" after back-to-back nights of violence.
Homes and cars were set on fire overnight, with rioters lobbing petrol bombs, fireworks and glass bottles at police officers.
First Minister Michelle O'Neill has labelled the violence "pure racism", adding "there's no other way to dress it up".
It left 32 officers injured across the first two nights, according to the Police Service Northern Ireland (PSNI).
In an update on Wednesday afternoon, assistant chief constable Ryan Henderson said one of the six people who have so far been arrested has been charged.
Oficers are reviewing footage to assist with prosecution efforts, he said.
He said the second night of back-to-back violence was directed at "our diverse communities" and police officers.
"Stop and think... is this hatred something you want to be associated with? Is it something you want to be prosecuted for?" he urged potential rioters.
The officer added that the violence "only serves to undermine the criminal investigation", referring to the woman who have allegedly sexually assaulted, as he warned that riots "threaten to derail the very pursuit of justice".
Earlier, First Minister Michelle O'Neill said the rioting in Ballymena is "abhorrent and must stop immediately".
She said the rioters "bring nothing to our communities but hatred, fear and division"
"No-one, now or ever, should feel the need to place a sticker on their door to identify their ethnicity just to avoid being targeted," Ms O'Neill added.
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has also slammed the "mindless violence" seen over the past two nights, calling the unrest "deeply concerning and utterly unacceptable".
He paid tribute to the men and women of the police service, and called out the "immense" financial pressure of the service they work under.
He said: "Despite operating under immense financial pressure—far greater than that faced by other public services in Northern Ireland or police forces across the UK and in the Republic of Ireland—our officers continue to display unwavering professionalism, courage, and resolve.
"Again we see our brave officers putting themselves in harms way to keep people safe resulting in further unacceptable injuries - they are a credit to us all."
He said since 2010 the service has been "critically underfunded", adding: "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."
“The PSNI is a cornerstone of our society’s peace and security. It is time it was treated—and funded—accordingly," he added.
The chief also warned people against joining the unrest and appealed for everyone involved to cease all further acts of criminality and disorder immediately.
He said: “Do not throw away your future and do not continue to endanger or intimidate the lives of others."
Riot police were deployed around the Clonavon Terrace area on Tuesday night as hundreds of people gathered in the Co Antrim town.
PSNI vehicles formed barricades on some roads while riot police wearing armour and carrying shields also responded to the disorder.
A car was set on fire near a car wash and tyre centre as part of a number of blazes started by protesters.
Police fired plastic baton rounds at some of those gathered and also used water cannons to disperse the crowd.
Multiple house windows were smashed during the unrest and the clothing of at least one protester caught fire during the disorder.
Many young children were present among those gathered near police lines, repeatedly using water cannons, PSNI – accompanied by dog units – moved protesters away from Clonavon Terace towards the junction of Bridge Street and North Street near a mural of King William.
Some homes in the area displayed signs about the nationalities of those normally resident, including one saying “British household” and another with “Filipino lives here”.
It followed the violent disorder seen on Monday, following an earlier peaceful protest in support of the family of a girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the area.
A number of homes and police vehicles were damaged during the riotous behaviour.
