Watch: Man in Roman helmet on mobility scooter taunts cops in Ballymena riots
A man wearing a Roman soldier's helmet on an electric wheelchair was seen charging at officers, taunting them, and spinning in circles just feet from the water cannons
Around 2,500 individuals amassed in Harryville on Tuesday evening following the arrest and charging of two teenage youths with attempted rape after an incident in Clonavon Terrace on Saturday, June 7.
As the atmosphere grew heated, riot police deployed their vans and water cannons to manage the mob, but not all of them were deterred.
In a peculiar turn of events, one man in an electric wheelchair, donning what appeared to be a Roman soldier's helmet, was seen confronting the officers, making bold gestures, and whirling around just feet from the water cannons.
This bizarre spectacle was captured on film and swiftly became an internet sensation after being shared on X (formerly Twitter), leaving many users bemused.
Mark Briton commented: "An old soldier is never caught; he knows all the tricks.", reports the Daily Star.
Reboot Britain remarked: "It's nuts".
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Martin Lay observed: "The state of modern Ulster".
Edmund Miller noted: "Bloke has a Roman helmet whilst on his metal steed."
In another unexpected twist, a protester seemed to accidentally set himself on fire while trying to throw a petrol bomb.
The procession on Monday initially started off calmly as residents expressed their outrage over the reported sexual assault.
However, the situation escalated as riot squads took positions and water cannons were readied to contain the swelling masses.
PSNI vehicles cordoned off roads as riot police in full protective gear moved in. Protesters hurled fireworks, glass bottles, metal objects, and verbal abuse at the officers.
A car was set ablaze near a car wash and tyre centre, one of several fires ignited across the area.
Police responded by firing plastic baton rounds and deploying powerful water cannons to disperse the mob.
Windows were shattered in multiple homes, and one protester's clothing caught fire amidst the chaos.
Disturbing scenes also revealed young children among the crowds, standing close to the frontlines as fireworks detonated and water jets sprayed into the night.
The two suspects are currently detained and are anticipated to appear in court in the coming days.
Police are maintaining surveillance on the situation in Ballymena due to concerns of further disorder.
