Charges Dropped Against Romanian Teens in Case That Triggered Northern Ireland Riots

Attempted rape charges against two Romanian teenagers in Northern Ireland have been formally withdrawn, bringing a dramatic shift to a case that sparked racially motivated riots across several towns earlier this year. The decision was announced at Belfast Youth Court on Friday, ending more than five months of detention for the two boys, aged 14 and 15.

The teenagers had been accused of attempting to rape a schoolgirl in Ballymena, County Antrim, on June 7. Initial reports claimed that the girl was dragged into an alleyway and then into a garage before she managed to escape when the alleged attackers were startled and fled. These early allegations triggered widespread public anger and ultimately fuelled a series of riots in Ballymena that later spread to other parts of Northern Ireland.

However, prosecutors told the court that the charges could no longer proceed due to “significant evidential developments”. While officials did not release details of the new information, the Public Prosecution Service successfully applied to end the criminal proceedings. As a result, the two boys are set to be released from the juvenile detention centre where they have been held since the summer.

A third youth suspected of involvement in the alleged incident is believed to have left Northern Ireland and returned to Romania the day after the accusation. Authorities say efforts to locate him are ongoing, though his status in the investigation remains unclear. Because all involved are minors, none of their identities can be legally disclosed.

The original allegations ignited strong racial tensions in the local community. Shortly after the reported assault, angry crowds took to the streets, targeting immigrants and Romanian residents in particular. Homes and vehicles were attacked, and police were deployed in large numbers to control the violence. The unrest spread beyond Ballymena to other towns, revealing deep underlying resentments and highlighting the challenges of dealing with misinformation during emotionally charged incidents.

Community leaders and anti racism campaigners expressed relief that the legal process has now clarified the situation, but also worry that the riots have left lasting damage. Many Romanian families reported feeling unsafe in the aftermath, while local authorities condemned the violence and stressed that the justice system must operate independently from public pressure.

The withdrawal of charges may help ease some tensions, but it is likely to spark renewed debate about how authorities respond to allegations involving minorities and how quickly communities can jump to conclusions. Police have urged the public to avoid speculation and remain calm as investigations into the broader circumstances continue.

For the two teenagers, the court’s decision brings an end to months of uncertainty, though questions remain about the events that unfolded in June and the social unrest that followed. The case has become a stark reminder of how fragile community relations can be and how misinformation or premature assumptions can escalate into dangerous and divisive violence.