Ballymena sexual assault riot sparks violence after teens appear in court, leading to unrest, property damage and police clashes

Ballymena, a normally quiet market town in County Antrim, witnessed violent scenes on Monday night after fury exploded over an alleged sexual assault involving a teenage girl. Residents took to the streets in growing numbers, and by nightfall, Ballymena was under siege—not by strangers, but by its own.

The unrest ignited when two teenage boys were formally charged with a serious sexual assault that reportedly occurred on Clonavon Terrace. Local anger had simmered since Sunday, when police first announced the charges. By Monday evening, that fury erupted. A protest outside the scene quickly spiralled out of control.

Masked individuals hurled bricks and masonry at officers trying to contain the crowd. A police vehicle took a direct hit—two of its windows shattered as chaos swallowed the town centre. Properties in the area bore the scars of the disorder, with visible damage left in the wake of the mob’s advance.

Police scrambled to respond. Chief Superintendent Sue Steen issued a plea for calm, stating:
“Violence and disorder will only put more people in danger. Our priority is the safety of the community.”

Yet her appeal did little to stem the rising tide of anger.

Clonavon Road and nearby streets became no-go zones as police closed off the area to both pedestrians and motorists. Officers formed cordons, while a tense silence occasionally broke with shouting, glass smashing, or the thud of debris hitting tarmac.

By late evening, the atmosphere remained volatile. A mixture of protest and vigilante rage pulsed through the streets. Many of those in attendance expressed deep frustration, not only at the crime itself, but at the perceived inadequacies of justice.
“We want answers. We want safety for our girls,” one protester shouted, as police held their line.

Local media captured images of men and women, many with faces covered, throwing objects and circling police vehicles. The crowd showed no signs of dispersing for hours.

The alleged assault, described by police as a “serious sexual offence against a teenage girl,” has shaken the community to its core. The victim’s identity remains protected by law, but the emotional impact of the incident is visible on nearly every doorstep in Ballymena.

Earlier in the day, two teenage boys faced a court in connection with the attack. The details of the hearing remain restricted, given their age and the sensitivity of the case. However, the court appearance was enough to spark a reaction that authorities are now struggling to contain.

Police continue to patrol the area, hoping to prevent further violence. Investigations into the property damage and attacks on officers are underway, with further arrests likely.

Despite the heavy police presence, many in Ballymena fear that this is just the beginning. As questions swirl around safety, justice, and accountability, the community stands fractured, shaken by the horror of the assault and now by the fury that followed it.

The government has yet to issue a formal statement. Meanwhile, residents wait. Some hope for calm. Others demand more. All agree: Ballymena will not forget this night anytime soon.