Fourth Night of Disorder in Northern Ireland as Masonry Thrown at Police in Portadown

Northern Ireland has witnessed a fourth consecutive night of unrest, with violent scenes unfolding in Portadown where bricks and masonry were hurled at police officers. The disorder marks a continuation of tensions sparked earlier this week in Ballymena, following a peaceful protest that escalated into racially motivated violence.

Violence Erupts in Portadown

On Thursday evening, around 400 people gathered in Portadown’s town center, where a group of masked individuals pulled bricks and masonry from a derelict building and threw them at officers in riot gear. Police responded with warnings over loudspeakers, threatening the use of baton rounds to disperse the crowd. Fires were also set in the area, prompting road closures and a heavy police presence including a helicopter overhead.

The disturbance started on Monday following a nonviolent protest in Ballymena over a teenage girl who was allegedly sexually assaulted. The accusations were refuted by two teenage boys who were charged in relation to the incident. Violent elements swiftly took over the demonstration, resulting in assaults on police officers and members of ethnic minorities.

Ballymena has seen severe violence over the last three days, including home invasions, fireworks, and petrol bombings. According to police, 15 arrests have been made thus far, and 41 officers have been injured.

The unrest has left many families, particularly from ethnic minority communities, fearful and displaced. Some sought refuge in attics and closets as mobs targeted their homes. A leisure center in Larne, which had been providing shelter to displaced families, was set on fire by masked attackers.

Housing associations warned residents in Portadown to evacuate and remain vigilant ahead of further planned demonstrations. Local politicians condemned the violence and called for calm.