Man arrested after slurry spread across town centre

A 19-year-old man has been arrested in Ballymena following an incident where slurry was deliberately spread across the town's streets, an act that local police are investigating as a hate crime. The incident occurred early on Saturday morning, with slurry being reported on various streets, including Greenvale Street at approximately 02:55 BST. Authorities apprehended the suspect in the Granville Drive area, where he was taken into custody on charges of criminal damage and possession of a blade. As of now, he remains in police custody while the investigation continues. This incident has raised concerns within the community, especially as it coincides with a significant event scheduled for later that day.

The timing of the slurry incident is particularly noteworthy as Ballymena is set to host its first-ever pride parade on Saturday afternoon, beginning at 14:00 BST and concluding at Greenvale Street. Local businesses and residents have rallied together in response to the mess caused by the slurry, initiating a clean-up operation on Saturday morning to ensure the town is presentable for the parade. The pride parade is expected to foster inclusivity and celebrate diversity in the community, contrasting sharply with the nature of the slurry incident. Community leaders and participants are hopeful that the parade will proceed smoothly despite the earlier disruption, emphasizing the importance of unity and support in the face of such challenges.