GDW Media
In the early hours of June 28, 2025, slurry was deliberately spread across roads in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. The contamination appeared along Greenvale Street and surrounding areas programed for the town’s first-ever Pride parade later that afternoon. This aggressive act, now labeled a hate crime, led to not one but two arrests. These events did not stop the parade, but they sparked critical conversations about intimidation, safety, and community unity.
1. Timeline of Events
- 2:55 AM: PSNI patrol officers discover slurry on roads in the Granville Drive/Greenvale Street area.
- Early Morning: A 19-year-old man is arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, possession of a blade, and disposing material on a public road.
- Later Same Day: A second man (age 20) is detained, facing charges of aiding and abetting criminal damage.
- June 30: Both are due to appear before Coleraine Magistrates’ Court.
2. A Hate Crime in Context
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed this incident is being treated as a hate crime. The timing mere hours before the scheduled Pride event strongly suggests intent to intimidate the LGBTQ+ community. Northern Ireland Justice Minister Naomi Long described it as “disgusting and deliberate” and reaffirmed that “love will always triumph over hate.”
3. Community and Political Response
Political figures and civic leaders strongly condemned the slurry attack:
- SDLP Councillor Séan de Faoite called it a “shameful and targeted act of intimidation,” applauding organisers for ensuring the parade still went ahead.
- Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland emphasized that “No amount of hate will drown out the message of inclusion, solidarity, and pride.”
- Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan labeled the act “disgraceful” and urged public support for those marching in the Pride event.
- UUP MLA Doug Beattie branded the incident “appalling,” stressing the community-wide rejection of such hatred.
4. The Pride Parade Goes On
Despite the sabotage attempt, hundreds attended the parade at 2 PM. Organizers, local businesses, and volunteers united to clean the parade route after sunrise. Banners, flags, and upbeat marching created a celebratory atmosphere that symbolized resilience and unity.
5. Safety Measures and Police Presence
The PSNI increased patrols and secured the Pride event venue. Authorities encouraged attendees to follow officers’ guidance and report any concerning activity. Businesses and residents were urged to provide CCTV footage or tips anonymously to support the police investigation.
6. Legal Charges and Court Proceedings
The two men now face multiple charges:
- Criminal damage to public property
- Possession of a blade or pointed weapon
- Depositing material on a roadway
- Facilitating or aiding criminal damage
Both will appear at Coleraine Magistrates’ Court on Monday, June 30. The PSNI confirmed that all proceedings are under review by the Public Prosecution Service.
7. Local Businesses and Volunteer Response
Businesses near the route took immediate action. Staff and volunteers worked early to remove slurry from shop fronts and streets. The Rainbow Project praised community support and the swift clean-up. That cooperation turned a moment of hate into an example of solidarity.
8. Historical Tensions in Ballymena
The recent slurry incident follows days of unrest in Ballymena involving racial tensions. Earlier in June, riots erupted after a vigil, leading to damage and dozens of injured PSNI officers. These events underscore deeper divisions, but the Pride parade represented a new chapter of unity and hope.
9. Why This Incident Matters
- Casting light on small-town LGBTQ+ vulnerability: Hate crimes near contentious events highlight persistent challenges.
- Test of Community Values: The parade’s resilience served as a statement against intimidation.
- Political Significance: High-profile statements from government leaders reinforce public expectation for inclusion.
10. Wider Implications for Pride Events
This incident raises questions for Pride planners across the UK and Ireland on enhancing security, legal responses, and safety protocols where bias incidents are possible.
11. What Happens Next? Investigation & Legal Follow-up
- Police are reviewing CCTV footage and gathering witness accounts.
- Residents and businesses are encouraged to report tips anonymously to Crimestoppers (0800 555 111).
- The PPS will determine the charges’ severity and whether to escalate to Crown Court based on evidence.
12. How You Can Support Ballymena Pride
- Reach out to organizers to show solidarity
- Volunteer at future Pride or community events
- Provide police with information or CCTV clips
- Spread awareness and support LGBTQ+ equality in your area
13. FAQs:
Who was arrested in the slurry incident?
A 19-year-old man was arrested early June 28, followed by a 20-year-old second arrest later the same day, both face charges related to criminal damage.
Why is this called a hate crime?
Police view the slurry spread as intended to intimidate the LGBTQ+ community, especially since it targeted a Pride parade route.
Did the parade go ahead?
Yes. Volunteers and businesses cleaned the route, and hundreds attended, showing strong community support.
What charges do the suspects face?
They face charges for criminal damage, environmental contamination, possession of a blade, and aiding the offence. Court appearance is scheduled for June 30.
How can people report tips?
Reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers (0800 555 111) or via PSNI reporting channels (reference number 191 of 28/06/25).
Has there been similar incidents in Ballymena?
Yes earlier June riots saw attacks on police and property. This intimidation attempt follows those tensions.
14. Final Thoughts
The slurry attack was a low point, but the way Ballymena responded reflects hope and resilience. Hundreds marching, cleaning up early, and standing together offers a powerful reminder: hate cannot outshine community solidarity. As the legal process begins, both Pride attendees and residents sent a clear message love, unity, and inclusion will never be buried under hate.
