In Ballymena, Northern Ireland, violence erupted with attacks on police resulting in 33 officers injured over two nights. The assaults involved fireworks, masonry, and petrol bombs, prompting police to deploy water cannons and baton rounds to manage the situation. As calm returned to the area, Liam Kelly, chair of the Police Federation, condemned the attacks and called for immediate cessation of violence. The unrest was linked to a recent incident involving a teenage girl, contributing to the area's heightened tensions and public demonstrations.
A further 17 police officers were injured following attacks by what has been called "a baying mob with fireworks, masonry and petrol bombs".
Calm was restored to the Ballymena area after 1am, following several hours of disorder where violence against police escalated.
Liam Kelly, chair of the Police Federation for NI, condemned the violent incidents and urged for an immediate end to the attacks.
A PSNI spokesperson stated that the incident escalated to "serious disorder" in the Clonavon Terrace area, urging the public to stay away.
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