Large Police Presence To Continue In Ballymena Following Public Disorder

Michael

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Post on Jun 13, 2025

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Large Police Presence to Continue in Ballymena Following Public Disorder

Ballymena, Northern Ireland – A significant police presence will remain in Ballymena town centre following recent outbreaks of public disorder. Authorities are working to restore calm and ensure the safety of residents and businesses after a series of disturbances that saw clashes between police and groups of young people. The increased police patrols are expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

The unrest, which began late Friday evening and continued into Saturday, resulted in several arrests and reports of property damage. While the specific causes of the disorder are still under investigation, police have appealed for calm and urged anyone with information to come forward. The incidents have understandably caused concern among local residents and businesses, prompting a swift response from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

PSNI Commitment to Public Safety

Superintendent Gillian Kearney of the PSNI issued a statement emphasizing the force's commitment to maintaining public order and ensuring the safety of the Ballymena community. "We understand the concern this has caused and want to reassure residents that we are taking this very seriously," Superintendent Kearney said. "A significant policing presence will remain in the town centre to prevent further incidents and to provide reassurance to the community. We will continue to work closely with our partners, including local community leaders, to address the underlying issues that contributed to this disorder."

The PSNI has deployed additional officers to patrol the streets, focusing on high-traffic areas and known trouble spots. They are utilizing a variety of resources, including CCTV footage and community intelligence, to identify those responsible for the violence. This proactive approach aims to deter further incidents and bring those involved to justice.

Community Response and Calls for Calm

Local community leaders have expressed their dismay at the events and have joined police in calling for calm. Many have praised the swift response of the PSNI, highlighting the importance of maintaining a strong police presence to restore order and prevent further escalation. Several community initiatives are already underway to engage with young people and address any underlying social issues that may have contributed to the disorder.

What to expect:

• Increased police patrols: Residents can expect to see a heightened police presence in Ballymena town centre for the coming days and weeks.
• Continued investigations: The PSNI is actively investigating the incidents and appealing for witnesses to come forward.
• Community engagement: Efforts are underway to engage with the community and address any underlying issues that contributed to the disorder.

Moving Forward: Addressing the Root Causes

While the immediate focus is on restoring order, longer-term solutions are needed to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. This includes addressing potential underlying issues such as youth unemployment, lack of opportunities, and community tensions. The PSNI is committed to working with local community groups and stakeholders to develop strategies that address these challenges and promote positive community relations. This will require a collaborative effort involving government agencies, community organizations, and residents themselves. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops. Anyone with information relating to the incidents is urged to contact the PSNI on the non-emergency number 101.

Keywords: Ballymena, public disorder, police presence, Northern Ireland, PSNI, community safety, crime, unrest, investigation, public order, community engagement, youth crime.