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Man charged after slurry spread across town centre

Local business owner Slurry spread in a zig-zag pattern down a pedestrian street.Local business owner
The slurry was spotted on the streets of Ballymena, including Greenvale Street on Saturday

A man has been charged after slurry was spread on the streets in Ballymena - an incident the police are treating as a hate crime.

The slurry was spotted on the streets of the town, including Greenvale Street, at 02:55 BST on Saturday.

The 19-year-old man was arrested in the Granville Road area and has been charged with criminal damage, possession of an article with a blade or point and causing material to be deposited on a road.

He is due to appear at Coleraine Magistrates' Court on Monday.

Scott Cuthbertson A black paved street with businesses down the side of it. There are suds on the ground as people clean up the slurry which was spread.Scott Cuthbertson
The clean-up operation on Greenvale Street

Local businesses and people affected were part of a clean-up operation on Saturday morning.

Ballymena's first ever pride parade took place in the town on Saturday afternoon.

The parade started at 14:00 BST and ended at Greenvale Street.

'Anger and sadness'

Director of Ballymena Pride Curtis Lee told BBC News NI that there "was anger and sadness after last night's incident".

"This won't deter us, the love over fear theme of Ballymena Pride is more important than ever."

Curtis Lee has short blonde hair with dark bits on the side. He is wearing clear rounded glasses, a white and black shirt, a black t-shirt and a silver necklace. In the background is people standing and waiting for the pride parade to start, and there is a rainbow coloured flag.
Director of Ballymena Pride Curtis Lee said there 'was anger and sadness after last night's incident'

'Disgusting'

Politicians and representatives have been reacting to the incident on social media.

The Justice Minister Naomi Long said: "I despair the mentality of those who spread slurry on the streets of their town motivated by hate and bigotry. Disgusting in every sense of the word.

"Solidarity to all at Ballymena Pride. It's a frightening time but love will always triumph over hate," she added.

Alliance MLA for Ballymena, Sian Mulholland, 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".

She said she has spoken directly to the police and parade organisers and has engaged with the council to "ensure cleansing takes place urgently and the route is made safe and welcoming for all".

Scott Cuthbertson. He has a beard, wearing a blue cap, blue check shirt and grey t-shirt. He has a rainbow heard on his cheek.
Scott Cuthbertson from the Rainbow Project thanked local businesses who helped with the clean up

Speaking to BBC News NI, Scott Cuthbertson from the Rainbow Project described those who spread the slurry as "disgusting bigots".

"A huge thank you to the local businesses who have rallied round to clean up the mess. The lesson for these bigots, Pride goes on."

Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan called the incident "disgraceful" and added that it was "clearly intended to disrupt Ballymena's first pride parade and intimidate those taking part".

"I want to express my solidarity with everyone involved in Ballymena Pride, who will make history today by marching through the town," he added.

SDLP councillor Denise Johnston said: "Shame on those who came out and spread slurry on the streets of Ballymena last night to send a message to our LGBQT community."