Northern Ireland was gripped by a fourth night of violence yesterday, as unrest spread to Portadown. 

Rioting first broke out on Monday in Ballymena, after two teenage boys, reportedly of Romanian origin, were charged with sexual assault. 

So far, 41 police officers have been injured across Northern Ireland, while 15 people have been arrested in connection to the violence. 

In Portadown, crowds took bricks and masonry from a derelict building, which they hurled at the police. 

Fearful of mob violence, shoppers stayed away from the town centre and many businesses told their staff to stay home. 

Portadown

One Portadown business that did stay open was a pizza takeaway, whose owner, AJ, said closing “would cost too much money”. 

“I don’t even know why they’re protesting,” he told Josh Crosbie for Newstalk Breakfast.  

“It’s happening everywhere; Portadown is dying already, this is a nail in the coffin. 

“I’m not scared, it would take a lot for me to be scared.” 

Originally from abroad, he said he personally has never received any abuse but that he now regretted moving to the town. 

“This is a third world country,” he lamented. 

Fires burning in Portadown in Co Armagh. Picture by: Alamy.com.

Also out and about last night was local MP Carla Lockhart, who told Newstalk there have been problems in Portadown “for a number of years”. 

“It’s been simmering in the background,” she said. 

“Tonight I think demonstrates that there is a deep concern. 

“It’s important that people protest and that they do it lawfully and we’re encouraging people not to engage in any illegal activity.”  

Michelle O'Neill

First Minister Michelle O’Neill has described the violence as “racist and sectarian” in nature, while the Police Service of Northern Ireland lablled it "racist thuggery, pure and simple". 

Although they too have condemned the violence, a number of unionist MPs have said locals’ concerns about immigration to Northern Ireland must be listened to. 

“It’s important that people recognise that there is a really deep seated concern about illegal immigration in the local area,” Ms Lockhart said. 

“There has been for a long time; so, tonight is trying to keep calm and lawful protests. 

“And we’re here to try and be the conduit between the police and the community.” 

The actions of the Communities Minister cannot be ignored.

He is the Minister response for the Housing Executive and lives are at stake.

Tomorrow the Opposition will refer him to the standards commissioner and explore all other options for accountability.

— Matthew O'Toole (@MatthewOToole2) June 11, 2025

After he posted on Facebook about the location of migrant families in Larne, a number of nationalist politicians have called for DUP Communities Minister Gordon Lyons to resign from the Executive. 

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hillary Benn has called on Mr Lyons to reflect on his remarks; however, Ms Lockhart described the controversy as a “sideshow”. 

“It’s time to recognise we are dealing with very serious concerns on the ground,” she said. 

“That’s just diverting away from the real issue.” 

Main image: Police extinguish a fire in Portadown in Co Armagh. Picture by: Alamy.com.