Local business ownerA man has been arrested 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 Drive area on suspicion of criminal damage and possession of a blade.
He remains in police custody at this time.
Scott Cuthbertson FacebookLocal businesses and people affected have been part of a clean-up operation on Saturday morning.
Ballymena’s first ever pride parade is due to take place in the town on Saturday afternoon.
The parade is set to start at 14:00 BST and is due to end 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.”
‘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”.
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.”
