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Belfast Telegraph
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Six arrests made as trouble spreads across NI on second night of Ballymena violence
Follow our live blog here for further updates throughout Wednesday Police and senior political figures led condemnation of the trouble. Calm was restored to the Ballymena area after 1am this morning. The violence had broken out shortly before 8pm and continued for several hours with masonry and petrol bombs thrown at PSNI officers and police vehicles. Homes and businesses were also attacked. During the disorder, a water cannon was deployed in an attempt to disperse the crowds, with officers also discharging baton rounds. Around 300 protestors had gathered in the area, close to where an alleged serious sexual assault on a teenage girl took place at the weekend. Police also dealt with sporadic disorder in Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus while a car was set alight in north Belfast. Police said 17 officers were injured in the latest trouble, bringing the total number of injured officers over the two nights of violence to 33. Five people were arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour and remain in police custody this morning. A male was also arrested on suspicion of disorderly behaviour on the O'Neill Road in Newtownabbey. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said she was 'dismayed" by the unfolding events. 'Violence is always wrong. I have been in constant contact throughout last night with PSNI and in contact with local elected representatives,' she said. "This disorder and violence must stop and justice be allowed to prevail.' Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster Programme Liam Kelly, chair of the Police Federation, condemned the trouble that broke out over the last two nights. "I want to condemn again what has happened the last couple of nights not only in Ballymena but, as we've seen, extended into other areas as well,' he said. "It's completely deplorable that this is happening. We need these attacks to stop, and stop very quickly.' Also speaking on the show, North Antrim MLA Paul Frew voiced fears that the violence would continue. 'I fear that if this continues, someone is going to get killed,' he said. Speaking earlier, Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland described the trouble as 'unacceptable'. 'It's deeply shocking and very disappointing and I have to say it's entirely unacceptable. This violence doesn't speak for Ballymena,' she said. Ms Mulholland said that the unrest distracted from the 'really serious issue' of violence against women and girls. She added: 'That's what we should be talking about, we should be talking about how to make our society safer for women, not how to manage the fallout of violence and intimidation. "It was just really disturbing, and deeply, deeply worrying.' Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: 'The mindless violence witnessed over the past two nights in Ballymena is deeply concerning and utterly unacceptable. "These criminal acts not only endanger lives but also risk undermining the ongoing criminal justice process led by the PSNI in support of a victim who deserves truth, justice, and protection." "As with any serious offenders in Northern Ireland, we will pursue those responsible and bring them to justice. "We will now begin our investigation of reviewing all evidence gathered, including video footage, and Images of the individuals involved will be released to identify offenders.' He added: 'Do not throw away your future and do not continue to endanger or intimidate the lives of others.' Yesterday, Translink suspended bus services in several areas of Belfast due to protests. Services on the Shore Road in north Belfast were at a standstill due to protestors blocking roadways along bus routes. Bus services along the Ravenhill Road between the east and south of the city were also diverted towards the Ormeau Embankment due to demonstrations, while there was disruption to services in the Shankill Road area. Protestors had also blocked roads at Carlisle Circus. It's understood a crowd of around 50 gathered at the area holding placards saying: 'Protect Our Children.' Police will release a further update later this morning. In Ballymena, some residents marked doors to display their nationality while two water cannons were also at the scene of the ongoing 'serious disorder.' At least four armoured vehicles were deployed in the Clonavon area as masked youths attacked officers. Some Filipino workers in the area began putting stickers on their doors that declared their nationality, in an apparent bid to avoid attack. Some people also displayed Union flags, or hung them in windows. Petrol bombs, bricks and bottles were among the missiles thrown at police. A PSNI spokesperson last night said the incident escalated to 'serious disorder'. 'Police are currently dealing with serious disorder in the Clonavon Terrace area of Ballymena this evening,' they said. "Members of the public should avoid the area.' A peaceful vigil on Monday to support the girl and her family was followed by serious trouble. Two boys, both 14, were arrested and later charged with the attempted oral rape of the girl on June 7. The charges were read to the teenagers by a Romanian interpreter. Monday evening's violence resulted in 15 police officers suffering injuries with four homes in the area being set alight. A 29-year-old man has been charged with riotous behaviour after being arrested during the disorder in Ballymena on Monday night
Belfast Telegraph
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
‘Someone is going to get killed': Appeal issued after six arrested on second night of ‘mindless violence'
live | Follow our blog for the latest updates Six people have been arrested and 17 officers injured during a second night of what the PSNI Chief Constable has described as 'mindless violence'. Calm was restored to the Ballymena area after 1am this morning. The violence had broken out shortly before 8pm and continued for several hours with masonry and petrol bombs thrown at police officers and police vehicles. A number of homes and businesses were also attacked. Police under sustained attack in Ballymena Police also dealt with sporadic disorder in Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus while a car was set alight in north Belfast. Police and senior political figures led condemnation of the trouble. Follow our live blog for the latest updates: 'Someone is going to get killed' Unionist politicians have appealed for the violence to stop, with North Antrim MLA Paul Frew saying: "I fear that if this continues, someone is going to get killed." DUP leader Gavin Robinson, speaking on BBC's Nolan Show, told those rioting to 'back off' and 'leave the people of Ballymena alone'. He called for the violence to stop and referred to the peaceful vigil that preceded violence in the area on Monday night. 'They need to stop. They are destroying their own community, they are intimidating to the point of the end of their neighbours, they are not creating the space to have the arguments around the issues that have bothered them. 'They have lost the entire moral high ground that was attained by the good people of Ballymena on Monday night at their peaceful, respectful and appropriate vigil.' Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said she was 'dismayed" by the unfolding events. 'Violence is always wrong. I have been in constant contact throughout last night with PSNI and in contact with local elected representatives,' she said. "This disorder and violence must stop and justice be allowed to prevail.' 42 minutes ago Homes attacked in north Belfast Sinn Féin MP John Finucane has condemned attacks on homes in north Belfast last night. 'I am horrified to learn that a number of homes were attacked near the Ballysillan area of north Belfast in suspected racist attacks. My thoughts are with the families affected by this abhorrent act. 'This kind of behaviour is deplorable and must be unequivocally condemned and called out by all political and community representatives. 'I will be contacting the families affected to ensure they receive the support they need, and to reassure them that the vast majority of people in our city warmly embrace the many positives that diversity brings." A car was also set alight in the area. 43 minutes ago Alliance MLA condemns 'unacceptable' violence Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland has condemned last night's violence. Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster Programme, she described the incident as 'unacceptable'. "It's deeply shocking and very disappointing and I have to say it's entirely unacceptable. This violence doesn't speak for Ballymena. 'It distracts from the really serious issue at the heart of this which is violence against women and girls, and that's what we should be talking about, we should be talking about how to make our society safer for women, not how to manage the fallout of violence and intimidation. "It was just really disturbing, and deeply, deeply worrying.' Sian Mulholland 46 minutes ago Six arrests made and 17 officers injured The PSNI has issued an update this morning confirming that six arrests have been made while 17 officers were injured following another night of violence. Five people were arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour and remain in police custody this morning. A male was also arrested on suspicion of disorderly behaviour on the O'Neill Road in Newtownabbey. None of those 17 officers were hospitalised as a result of their injuries, although it brings the total number of injured officers across two nights of violence to 33. Liam Kelly, chair of the Police Federation, said: "I want to condemn again what has happened the last couple of nights not only in Ballymena but, as we've seen, extended into other areas as well. "It's completely deplorable that this is happening. We need these attacks to stop, and stop very quickly.' Chief Constable John Boutcher said the 'mindless violence' of the last two nights 'is deeply concerning and utterly unacceptable.' He added: 'Ironically, and frustratingly, this violence threatens to derail the very pursuit of justice it claims to challenge. 'Let me be clear: this behaviour must stop. I appeal to everyone involved to cease all further acts of criminality and disorder immediately.' 47 minutes ago What happened on Tuesday night? Calm was restored to the Ballymena area after 1am. Disorder broke out shortly before 8pm and continued for several hours with masonry and petrol bombs thrown at police officers and police vehicles. A number of homes and businesses were also attacked. During the disorder, a water cannon was deployed in an attempt to disperse the crowds, with officers also discharging a number of baton rounds. Around 300 protestors had gathered in the area, close to where an alleged serious sexual assault on a teenage girl took place. Police also dealt with sporadic disorder in Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus while a car was set alight in north Belfast.
Belfast Telegraph
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Four arrests made after car torched as disorder spreads to other areas of NI on second night of Ballymena violence
A further 17 police officers were injured following attacks by what has been called 'a baying mob with fireworks, masonry and petrol bombs'. None of those officers were hospitalised but it brings the number of injured officers across two nights of violence to 33. Liam Kelly, chair of the Police Federation for NI, said: "I want to condemn again what has happened the last couple of nights not only in Ballymena but, as we've seen, extended into other areas as well. It's completely deplorable that this is happening. We need these attacks to stop, and stop very quickly.' Calm was restored to the Ballymena area after 1am. Disorder broke out shortly before 8pm and continued for several hours with masonry and petrol bombs thrown at police officers and police vehicles. A number of homes and businesses were also attacked. During the disorder, a water cannon was deployed in an attempt to disperse the crowds, with officers also discharging a number of baton rounds. Around 300 protestors had gathered in the area, close to where an alleged serious sexual assault on a teenage girl took place. Police also dealt with sporadic disorder in Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus while a car was set alight in north Belfast. Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster Programme, Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland described the incident as 'unacceptable'. 'It's deeply shocking and very disappointing and I have to say it's entirely unacceptable. This violence doesn't speak for Ballymena,' she said. Mulholland said that the unrest distracted from the 'really serious issue' of violence against women and girls. She added: 'That's what we should be talking about, we should be talking about how to make our society safer for women, not how to manage the fallout of violence and intimidation. "It was just really disturbing, and deeply, deeply worrying.' Police in Newtownabbey said last night: 'Following a protest at Cloughfern, colleagues are aware of a group of young people who appear intent on engaging in some form of disorder. "So that we can avoid any allegation that we target local young people and attempt to criminalise them, I would ask for some assistance from friends, family or anyone with influence to help us protect these young people by diverting them away from the area and help us dispose of the fireworks to which they have gained access.' Translink suspended bus services in several areas of Belfast due to protests. Services on the Shore Road in north Belfast were at a standstill due to protestors blocking roadways along bus routes. Bus services along the Ravenhill Road between the east and south of the city were also diverted towards the Ormeau Embankment due to demonstrations, while there was disruption to services in the Shankill Road area. Protestors had also blocked roads at Carlisle Circus. It's understood a crowd of around 50 gathered at the area holding placards saying: 'Protect Our Children.' Police will release a further update later this morning. In Ballymena, some residents marked doors to display their nationality while two water cannons were also at the scene of the ongoing 'serious disorder.' At least four armoured vehicles were deployed in the Clonavon area as masked youths attacked officers. Some Filipino workers in the area began putting stickers on their doors that declared their nationality, in an apparent bid to avoid attack. Some people also displayed Union flags, or hung them in windows. Petrol bombs, bricks and bottles were among the missiles thrown at police. A PSNI spokesperson last night said the incident escalated to 'serious disorder'. 'Police are currently dealing with serious disorder in the Clonavon Terrace area of Ballymena this evening,' they said. "Members of the public should avoid the area.' A peaceful vigil on Monday to support the girl and her family was followed by serious trouble. Two boys, both 14, were arrested and later charged with the attempted oral rape of the girl on June 7. The charges were read to the teenagers by a Romanian interpreter. Monday evening's violence resulted in 15 police officers suffering injuries with four homes in the area being set alight. A 29-year-old man has been charged with riotous behaviour after being arrested during the disorder in Ballymena on Monday night
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'Disgraceful' government has disrespected family - Sean Brown's daughter
The daughter of a GAA official killed by loyalists has labelled the UK government as "disgraceful" for how it informed her family about its decision to challenge a court ruling over a public inquiry. Siobhan Brown, whose father Sean Brown was abducted outside a GAA club and shot dead in 1997, said the government had treated the family with disrespect. The Court of Appeal in Belfast had given Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn four weeks to reconsider a decision not to hold an inquiry into Mr Brown's murder at the hands of the Loyalist Volunteer Force (LVF). On Wednesday, Benn confirmed he was now seeking leave to appeal the judgement to the Supreme Court, the UK's highest court. More than 25 people, including state agents, have been linked by intelligence material to the 61-year-old's death. Ms Brown told BBC's Good Morning Ulster Programme that the timing of Benn's announcement and the lack of information given to them beforehand had upset the family. "We were distraught at the fact that this information had been released without the family knowing in entirety," she said. "To suddenly hear it being broadcast, it's disgraceful." Ms Brown added that "by the time I got home, I hadn't even reached my mother's house before the press were looking for quotes and statements. "Meanwhile Hilary Benn had given a press conference in London," she said. Ms Brown accused the government of treating her family with disrespect and of trying to undermine them. She referred to her 87-year-old mother Bridie's appeal to Benn last month not to make her go to London to campaign for an inquiry. "My mother made an impassioned plea to Hilary Benn, not to take her to London, that's fallen on deaf ears, that's the route we now have to go," Siobhan Brown added. Speaking at Westminster on Wednesday, Benn said he remained determined to have a "full, thorough and independent investigation" into Mr Brown's murder. "The murder of Sean Brown in 1997 was despicable, and his death caused great suffering and pain to his family, his wife Bridie and the community," he said. "I know that the length of time it has taken to provide them with the answers they have been searching for has added to that pain." Benn said while the government wanted an investigation that complied with its human rights obligations, the Court of Appeal's judgment required a "detailed and comprehensive response". Posting on X on Wednesday, First Minister Michelle O'Neill said that the government's decision was "cruel and inhumane". "The Brown family has only ever sought truth and justice for their beloved husband and father. "Throughout their decades-long campaign, they have consistently shown immense courage and dignity. "The British government must urgently respect the court's decision and establish a public inquiry now," she added. Mr Brown was locking the gates of GAA club Bellaghy Wolfe Tones when he was kidnapped by the LVF. Early last year, a court heard more than 25 people, including state agents, had been linked by intelligence material to Mr Brown's murder. In March 2024, a coroner said Mr Brown's inquest could not continue due to material being withheld on the grounds of national security. He decided that redactions of intelligence material meant he could not properly investigate the circumstances of the killing. Instead, he wrote to the then Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris, requesting a public inquiry into the case. In December, the High Court ruled that current Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn must set up a public inquiry into the murder. The government then appealed against that ruling, mounting a legal challenge to the Court of Appeal. However, Lady Chief Justice Dame Siobhan Keegan said it was "a shocking state of affairs" that more than 25 years had passed but there had been no "lawful inquiry into the circumstances" of Mr Brown's death. After that ruling, Mr Brown's family said Benn should "do the right thing". Mr Brown's widow spoke directly to the NI secretary, saying: "Five judges have told you what to do, do the right thing and please don't have me going to London." The Sinn Féin MP John Finucane said the UK government's decision to appeal the court ruling is "a continued affront to a grieving family". "This is a family that has already waited 28 years. They've faced silence, secrecy and now delay disguised and wrapped up in legal process." He said that the "only viable option" is a public inquiry. "The so called concerns cited by the British government have become a catch-all excuse to prevent transparency, even when the court themselves have demanded overwise, and it can't continue," he added. "The Brown family deserve answers and the public deserve the truth."
BBC News
01-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Sean Brown's daughter labels government 'disgraceful' over legal challenge
The daughter of a GAA official killed by loyalists has labelled the UK government as "disgraceful" for how it informed her family about its decision to challenge a court ruling over a public Brown, whose father Sean Brown was abducted outside a GAA club and shot dead in 1997, said the government had treated the family with Court of Appeal in Belfast had given Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn four weeks to reconsider a decision not to hold an inquiry into Mr Brown's murder at the hands of the Loyalist Volunteer Force (LVF).On Wednesday, Benn confirmed he was now seeking leave to appeal the judgement to the Supreme Court, the UK's highest court. More than 25 people, including state agents, have been linked by intelligence material to the 61-year-old's death. 'Distraught' Ms Brown told BBC's Good Morning Ulster Programme that the timing of Benn's announcement and the lack of information given to them beforehand had upset the family."We were distraught at the fact that this information had been released without the family knowing in entirety," she said. "To suddenly hear it being broadcast, it's disgraceful."Ms Brown added that "by the time I got home, I hadn't even reached my mothers house before the press were looking for quotes and statements. "Meanwhile Hilary Benn had given a press conference in London," she said. Ms Brown accused the government of treating her family with disrespect and of trying to undermine them. She referred to her 87-year-old mother Bridie's appeal to Benn last month not to make her go to London to campaign for an inquiry. "My mother made an impassioned plea to Hilary Benn, not to take her to London, that's fallen on deaf ears, that's the route we now have to go," Siobhan Brown added. Speaking at Westminster on Wednesday, Benn said he remained determined to have a "full, thorough and independent investigation" into Mr Brown's murder."The murder of Sean Brown in 1997 was despicable, and his death caused great suffering and pain to his family, his wife Bridie and the community," he said."I know that the length of time it has taken to provide them with the answers they have been searching for has added to that pain."Benn said while the government wanted an investigation that complied with its human rights obligations, the Court of Appeal's judgment required a "detailed and comprehensive response". What have Northern Ireland politicians said? Posting on X on Wednesday, First Minister Michelle O'Neill said that the government's decision was "cruel and inhumane"."The Brown family has only ever sought truth and justice for their beloved husband and father."Throughout their decades-long campaign, they have consistently shown immense courage and dignity."The British government must urgently respect the court's decision and establish a public inquiry now," she added. What happened to Sean Brown? Mr Brown was locking the gates of GAA club Bellaghy Wolfe Tones when he was kidnapped by the last year, a court heard more than 25 people, including state agents, had been linked by intelligence material to Mr Brown's March 2024, a coroner said Mr Brown's inquest could not continue due to material being withheld on the grounds of national decided that redactions of intelligence material meant he could not properly investigate the circumstances of the he wrote to the then Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris, requesting a public inquiry into the December, the High Court ruled that current Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn must set up a public inquiry into the government then appealed against that ruling, mounting a legal challenge to the Court of Lady Chief Justice Dame Siobhan Keegan said it was "a shocking state of affairs" that more than 25 years had passed but there had been no "lawful inquiry into the circumstances" of Mr Brown's that ruling, Mr Brown's family said Benn should "do the right thing".Mr Brown's widow spoke directly to the NI secretary, saying: "Five judges have told you what to do, do the right thing and please don't have me going to London."
