Third night of violence in Northern Ireland as rioters torch leisure centre
Source: Third night of violence in Northern Ireland: [The Independent, 12 Jun 2025]
Summary:
A group of masked rioters set fire to Larne Leisure Centre—used as temporary housing for displaced families—on the third consecutive night of unrest linked to an alleged sexual assault case in Ballymena. Riot police in Ballymena deployed water cannons, plastic baton rounds and dog units as crowds threw petrol bombs, masonry and fireworks across County Antrim.
Multiple places—Coleraine, Newtownabbey and Belfast—reported incidents. At least 17 PSNI officers were injured on the second night; 32 overall by the third, while six arrests were made. Political leaders condemned the violence, with calls for calm and affirmation of the need to let the criminal justice process run its course.
Read a WTX News report on the violence in Northern Ireland
🔁 Reactions:
- Government (Stormont Executive): “This violence is pure racism—hate will not be tolerated.” – First Minister Michelle O’Neill
- Opposition (DUP MLA Gordon Lyons): “Protesting is of course a legitimate right but violence is not and I would encourage everyone to remain peaceful.”
- Viral/Public (Alliance MLA Danny Donnelly): “Larne leisure centre has been attacked by masked thugs. Windows smashed and fires lit nearby. Larne does not need this.”
📰 Bias Snapshot:
- The Independent focuses on the facility’s humanitarian use and human impact, highlighting local leadership quotes (independent.com).
- Al Jazeera frames the events as anti-immigrant unrest, citing “racist thuggery” and noting threats to justice (aljazeera.com).
- The Sun sensationalises with “masked yobs” and violent visuals, stressing shock value over context (thesun.ie).
📊 Sentiment: Negative
- Highly concerning xenophobic violence, public disorder, and serious harm to victims, communities, and police, with widespread condemnation.