Northern Ireland is currently facing a state of emergency as a surge of anti-immigrant violence has destabilized communities in County Antrim, particularly around Ballymena.
Recent reports from the Daily Mail describe chaotic scenes involving attacks, bombings, vandalism, and violent confrontations with police, raising international alarm.
Masked Men Raid Migrant Shelter
The Larne Leisure Centre, repurposed as an emergency shelter for families, primarily Romanian migrants fleeing the turmoil in Ballymena, was ransacked by a group of masked individuals on Wednesday night.
Around 12 assailants broke windows, ignited rubbish bins, and hurled flaming projectiles into the facility, creating fear and chaos among staff and visitors.
Watch video:
In Larne, Northern Ireland, a recreational center housing asylum seekers was set ablaze. The patience of the Irish people seems to have worn thin. pic.twitter.com/DLITlabEz4
– RadioGenoa (@RadioGenoa) June 12, 2025
This incident arose after a social media post by DUP (Democratic Unionist Party) minister Gordon Lyons disclosed the shelter’s location, leading to accusations of inciting the attack and prompting a referral to the Northern Ireland Assembly Standards Commissioner.
Teenage Girl Assaulted
Tensions escalated following the arrest of two 14-year-old Romanian boys charged with the attempted sexual assault of a schoolgirl.
This situation was allegedly “exploited” by extremist groups that incited hatred against immigrants through social media.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has reported clear racist motivations for the attacks and has significantly increased patrols, calling for additional support from Scotland.
Minorities Experiencing Fear
Minority communities are living in constant fear, with signs reading “Filipinos live here” or UK flags displayed on homes and businesses in a bid to evade mob violence.
The community appears caught between violent factions and ineffective protection, as images of burning homes, destroyed vehicles, and besieged neighborhoods circulate.
Escalation of Violence
Police report that up to 400 individuals have participated in violent incidents over the last three nights, employing Molotov cocktails, flares, bricks, and glass bottles against law enforcement.
🇬🇧🇮🇪 | Clashes between anti-immigration protesters and police in Ballymena.
Homes of alleged offenders were burned during the riots, and residents are demanding immediate repatriation.
– ʜᴇʀQʟᴇs ᴇɴɢ (@Herqles_eng) June 10, 2025
Security forces have deployed water cannons and rubber bullets, with reports of over 20 such rounds fired last night and five arrests made for rioting.
Watch video:
A chilling TikTok video has surfaced, showing a house being set on fire live, with the arsonist reveling in views and asking for likes as the destruction unfolds behind him.
Political Response
First Minister Michelle O’Neill labeled the events “pure racism,” while Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly emphasized that “violence serves no one.”
The UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has firmly condemned the violent actions.
Senior police officer Ryan Henderson warned that “violence threatens to derail justice” and indicated that investigations are underway to determine if paramilitary groups are coordinating these incidents.
