Arrest Made After Slurry Spread in Ballymena Before First Pride Parade

Police are investigating after slurry was spread at the end of the route of a Co Antrim town's first Pride parade. They said it happened in the early hours in Ballymena. The town is due to host a Pride parade for the first time later today. Police said they observed slurry on the road at Greenvale Street - the end point for the parade - at around 2.55am. A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and possession of a blade. He remains in custody. Police said the incident was being treated as a hate crime. Around 1,500 people are expected to participate in the march with hundreds of supporters along the route. A number of small counter protests by church groups have also been lodged with Northern Ireland's Parades Commission. Northern Ireland's Justice Minister called the incident 'disgusting' in a post on X. Naomi Long said she despaired the 'mentality of those who spread slurry on the streets of their town motivated by hate and bigotry'. 'Solidarity to all at Ballymena Pride,' she said. 'It's a frightening time but love will always triumph over hate.' Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan condemned the spreading of slurry in Ballymena, calling it 'a disgraceful act' that 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. 'Equality, rights, and respect must be at the core of our society, and Sinn Féin will continue to stand with our LGBTQIA+ community.'