5 Sep 2012

Police attacked in Belfast

9:04 am on 5 September 2012

Police have been under attack for two nights in northern Belfast while trying to quell clashes between Protestant loyalists and Catholic republicans.

More than 60 police officers have been injured and seven put in hospital since trouble erupted during a march on Sunday.

On Sunday night, 47 police officers were injured during disturbances in the same area, following a republican parade. Police said up to 350 loyalists were involved in the rioting.

On Monday night, petrol bombs, bricks, fireworks and stones were thrown at police. A van was hijacked and pushed into their lines.

On Monday, loyalists gathered in Denmark Street and republicans on the Antrim Road.

Four water cannon were deployed by police. The BBC reports the area returned to calm at 3am (BST).

Seven people were arrested.