BALLYMENA, NORTHERN IRELAND — Officers from Police Scotland have been sent to Ballymena following a formal request for assistance from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), as tensions in the town continue to escalate after two consecutive nights of civil unrest.
The move comes under the mutual aid agreement — a protocol allowing UK police forces to support one another in times of operational strain. An undisclosed number of public order officers, specially trained in handling large-scale disturbances, have been deployed.
Violent Protests and Injuries
The unrest in County Antrim was sparked by public anger over an alleged sexual assault, triggering protests that have since turned violent. The PSNI confirmed that 32 officers have been injured during clashes since Monday night, with further concerns about escalating community tensions.
Footage shared online and eyewitness reports describe the disorder as intense, with projectiles thrown, property damage, and law enforcement facing aggressive resistance from groups of protestors.
Scotland Answers the Call
Police Scotland confirmed its deployment late Wednesday, stating the decision was made in the interest of public safety and in support of colleagues facing challenging circumstances.
“We have responded to a request from the PSNI to provide specialist public order officers to assist with ongoing operations in Ballymena,” a Police Scotland spokesperson said.
The exact number of officers sent remains undisclosed for operational reasons, though sources say it is a standard-scale deployment for public order support.
Political and Community Concerns
Local leaders in Northern Ireland have urged calm, warning that continued unrest risks deepening divisions and damaging the wider community. Meanwhile, rights groups have called for transparency around the initial allegation and for any investigations to proceed without interference from mob pressure.
The incident marks one of the most serious bouts of disorder in Northern Ireland this year and highlights the ongoing fragility in community relations across some parts of the region.
