Protests intensify in Northern Ireland, 17 police officers injured

Mass protests against migrants in Northern Ireland have turned into clashes with police and caused serious unrest. As a result of the incidents in the city of Ballymena, 17 police officers sustained injuries of varying severity.

According to a statement from local police, the unrest continued for a second night on Monday evening in the Clonavon Terrace area. Protesters threw Molotov cocktails, stones, bricks, and even fireworks at law enforcement officers. As a result, 17 police officers were injured, with some hospitalized.

Police have detained five individuals suspected of criminal activity. Government authorities are investigating the incident and working to identify the suspects.

On Tuesday evening, protests were also reported in the cities of Belfast, Lisburn, Coleraine, and Newtownabbey. Police managed to restore order by 1:00 a.m. In some areas, protesters set fire to garbage bins and threw stones at police forces.

The protests began following media reports about an alleged attempted rape of a minor girl by migrants. On Monday, two 14-year-old teenagers appeared in court in connection with the incident that sparked widespread public outrage.

Analysts emphasize that such events could not only influence the criminal proceedings but also shift public attitudes toward migrants.

It is currently reported that the situation is under full control, although security measures remain heightened.