Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn has stated that those responsible for the recent violence and destruction in Ballymena will face legal consequences, reports RTE.
Mr Benn said: “I utterly condemn the terrible scenes of civil disorder in Ballymena, and other reported disorder, over recent days. There is no place for this kind of violence in Northern Ireland.
“The PSNI must be given the time they need to properly investigate the distressing incident concerned. There is absolutely no justification for the disgraceful attacks we have seen on PSNI officers, and on people’s homes and property, reports RTE.
“This appalling violence and vandalism must cease immediately, and those involved will be brought to justice,” reports RTE.
He praised the efforts of the PSNI and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, noting they “have worked in difficult conditions over the past few days to keep people safe”.
“I also express my gratitude to those community leaders who are working hard night and day to bring this disorder to an end, and to seek ways in which their area can thrive, rather than be a site of destruction,” he added, reports RTE.
Earlier today, Northern Ireland’s powersharing Executive—which includes Sinn Féin, the DUP, the Alliance Party, and the UUP—issued a joint statement condemning the disorder in Ballymena, saying those responsible bring only “division and disorder” to society.
In an interview on RTÉ’s News at One, Alliance Party MLA for North Antrim Sian Mulholland said the ongoing street violence and intimidation in Ballymena is putting lives in danger, reports RTE.
She stated that while the situation started as a peaceful protest over genuine local issues, it has since escalated due to individuals exploiting the unrest, and it is now “far beyond” peaceful protest.
Ms Mulholland said several families had to barricade themselves inside their homes after being targeted, with intruders breaking down doors and ransacking the interiors, reports RTE.
“Last night, a Filipino family had their car burnt out and were frightened their house was next. They had a young child, they barricaded themselves in an upstairs bedroom,” she said, reports RTE.
“The violence takes away from legitimate concern from the community,” she added, reports RTE.
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