Ballymena hate crime horror as slurry spread across road hours before first-ever Pride parade

Ben Haslam, Mirror
Jun 28
1 min read

Police have launched an investigation into the incident, with a 19-year-old man arrested and condemnation from politicians over the horrific incident hours before people take to the streets

A teen has since been arrested as politicians speak out in disgust (Photo via Getty Images)

Slurry was spread on the streets of a town just hours before its first Pride parade. An investigation has been launched after slurry was spread across Ballymena in Northern Ireland, hours before the first Pride parade in the town's history is set to start.

Police said a 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and possession of a bladed or pointed item. He remains in custody for questioning.

The incident has been condemned widely, with North Antrim Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland speaking out what happened this morning.

She said the Pride parade, due to take place on Saturday, will be the first in the town's history. I want to unreservedly condemn those who spread slurry on the streets of Ballymena ahead of the town's first-ever Pride parade today," she said.

"There is no place for this kind of disgusting and deliberate attempt to intimidate, disrupt, or shame those taking part in a peaceful and joyful celebration of love, identity, and community.