Tensions remain high in a Northern Irish town after a second consecutive night of violence. The unrest follows what authorities are calling “racially motivated” attacks that occurred after a peaceful protest regarding an alleged sexual assault.

On Tuesday, hundreds of masked protesters took to the streets of Ballymena, approximately 30 miles (48km) northwest of Belfast. Demonstrators reportedly threw petrol bombs, bottles, and masonry, prompting police to respond with water cannon. A car and several barricades were set ablaze during the chaos, and law enforcement deployed plastic baton rounds to disperse the crowds.

The initial outbreak of unrest occurred on Monday night, following a vigil held in a neighborhood where the alleged sexual assault took place on Saturday.

Police Condemn “Racist Thuggery”

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson addressed the situation on Tuesday,stating,”This violence was clearly racially motivated and targeted at our minority ethnic community and police. It was racist thuggery, pure and simple, and any attempt to justify it or explain it as something else is misplaced.”

“Last night, unfortunately, has probably scared a lot of people. We are actively working to identify those responsible and bring them to justice,” said Henderson.

Residents have described the scenes as “terrifying,” with many claiming that “foreigners” were specifically targeted. According to local media, two teenage boys, charged with the attempted rape of a teenage girl, appeared in court on Monday and requested a Romanian interpreter.

Police reports indicate that masked individuals “broke away from the vigil and began to build barricades, stockpiling missiles and attacking properties.” Security forces endured a “sustained attack” involving petrol bombs,fireworks,and bricks,resulting in injuries to 15 officers,some of whom required hospital treatment.Additionally, four houses sustained fire damage, and numerous homes and businesses had their windows and doors smashed.

Background of Racial Tensions

this recent surge of violence echoes similar incidents in Northern Ireland. In August, the region experienced racism-fueled disorder following riots in English towns and cities triggered by the fatal stabbing of three young girls in Southport, northwest England.

“Ballymena has a large migrant population; a lot of people actually work in the town and provide excellent work,” said Mayor Jackson Minford.