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A man has been arrested after slurry was spread on the streets in Ballymena, an incident the police are treating as a hate crime.<\/p>\n
The slurry was spotted on the streets of the town, including Greenvale Street, at 02:55 BST on Saturday. <\/p>\n
The 19-year-old man was arrested in the Granville Drive area on suspicion of criminal damage and possession of a blade. <\/p>\n
He remains in police custody at this time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Local businesses and people affected have been part of a clean-up operation on Saturday morning. <\/p>\n
Ballymena’s first ever pride parade is due to take place in the town on Saturday afternoon.<\/p>\n
The parade is set to start at 14:00 BST and is due to end at Greenvale Street.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Politicians and representatives have been reacting to the incident on social media.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“Solidarity to all at Ballymena Pride. It’s a frightening time but love will always triumph over hate,” she added. <\/p>\n
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”.<\/p>\n
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”.<\/p>\n
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.”<\/p>\n
Scott Cuthbertson from the Rainbow Project described those who spread the slurry as “disgusting bigots”.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n