The Bishop of Connor and the Rector of Ballymena have released a statement following two nights of violent protests in Co. Antrim following the rape of a young girls by three Romanian immigrants.

From the Church of Ireland Press Office

A statement from the Bishop of Connor, the Rt Revd George Davison, and the Rector of Ballymena, the Revd Canon Mark McConnell:

Like many others who love the town of Ballymena, we have been distressed to see the scenes of violence on the streets over the past two evenings. The destruction and fear that we have witnessed does nothing to create a better society for us all.

The real indignation felt by us all as we heard the news of an alleged assault on a young woman in the town was legitimate and righteous. Violence against women is a scourge in our society that must be addressed with urgency. Voices of protest should and must be raised when we encounter such wickedness. It must be said though, that since the alleged perpetrators have been identified as belonging to an ethnic minority, a number of individuals have turned from legitimate protest about the assault to violence actions focussed on migrant communities and the PSNI as they seek to protect all who live and work in Ballymena.

Violence against women knows no racial boundaries. The majority of such crimes in Northern Ireland are committed by people who are not from ethnic minorities. The racism and violence that we have witnessed on our streets cannot be excused or explained in this way. The vast majority of those who have made their home in this country make a valuable contribution to our communities and seek to live peacefully with their families and neighbours.

We call for calm at this time and ask all people of goodwill not to participate in any activity which would lead to further violence and fear on our streets.