January 09, 2026 | Incident and Crime Statistics , Hate Crime and Equality
Request Number: FOI/15832
Category: Incident and Crime Statistics - Victim
Subject: Child Criminal Exploitation Referrals
Request and Answer:
Your request for information has now been considered. In respect of Section 1(1)(a) of the Act we can confirm that the Police Service of Northern Ireland does hold information to which your request relates. The decision has been taken to disclose the following.
Request
How many children who PSNI came in contact with who were involved in committing violence or disorder during the August 2024 racist violence across Northern Ireland and the June 2025 Ballymena and surrounding areas racist violence, have been referred under Child Criminal Exploitation guidelines.
Answer
August 2024, Belfast - A total of 16 children were spoken to by police due to their suspected involvement. Of these 16 children, referrals were submitted to Social Services for 14.
June 2025, Ballymena - In total, there were 33 juveniles arrested in relation to racial disorder in June 2025, which incorporates Ballymena, Larne, Coleraine, Newtownabbey and Portadown areas. Referrals have been submitted for all 33 juveniles arrested.