Anti-migrant rallies leave 15 officers wounded in Northern Ireland VIDEO

Fifteen police officers were injured and four homes set ablaze during violent anti-migrant riots in Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, following the charging of two teenage boys - believed to be Romanian - in connection with the sexual assault of a girl. 

The two 14-year-olds appeared in court via video link, charged with attempted rape. The charges were read with the assistance of a Romanian interpreter, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

🇬🇧🚨 Serious Anti Immigrant rioting spreads in Northern Ireland after Teens sexually assaulted!

Reports of House burning and evictions coming out of Ulster after sex attacks. pic.twitter.com/gyAvjoatIj

— Jim Dowson B.Th MA (@OfficialJDowson) June 10, 2025

The unrest erupted later that evening after a peaceful vigil in the town centre drew hundreds of residents. The situation escalated when some attendees splintered off and moved to the Clonavon Terrace area, where masked rioters set up barricades and hurled petrol bombs, bricks, fireworks, and other projectiles at police. Several officers required hospital treatment, and two police vehicles were damaged. Police deployed one rubber baton round, which struck a rioter. A 29-year-old man was arrested in connection with the violence. 

Anti-immigration protests continue in Ballymena, Northern Ireland.

This is the second night crowds have gathered in the town in what MSM are calling race riots.

People have had enough as social unrest is spreading across Europe.pic.twitter.com/3XzhAafQ61

— Darren of Plymouth (@wolsned) June 10, 2025

North Antrim MP Jim Allister commented on the broader context of the unrest, saying Ballymena had been “overburdened” by “unchecked migration”, which he described as a source of “past and future tensions”. The family of the victim condemned the riots, drawing comparisons to disorder that followed the murder of three girls in Southport last year. They called for calm and lawful justice, stating they were “in no way involved or condone any trouble that happened” after the peaceful protest. 

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister expressed concern over the events, stating: “The disorder we saw in Ballymena is very concerning. Obviously the reports of sexual assault in the area are extremely distressing, but there is no justification for attacks on police officers while they continue to protect local communities.” Authorities continue to investigate both the alleged assault and the subsequent riot, warning that further arrests may follow as they review evidence from the scene.

By Naila Huseynova