Major police operation in Belfast as anti-internment march hits the city

Dozens of officers were injured last year in loyalist rioting after the march.

POLICE IN NORTHERN Ireland are staging a large-scale operation in Belfast as a republican anti-internment march takes to the streets.

At the same protest last year, loyalist rioting left dozens of police officers injured after they were attacked.

Britain Northern Ireland Rioting AP Photo / Peter Morrison AP Photo / Peter Morrison / Peter Morrison

This afternoon’s began earlier at 1pm, and a raft of road restrictions are due to remain in place until 2.30pm.

As many as 4,000 are expected to take part in this afternoon’s parade, which marks the introduction of internment in 1971.

Two other protests, organised by Loyal People’s Protest and Shankill Residents Group are also due to take place.

1 of 2 - Periodic traffic disruption should be expected in Belfast city centre between 1pm & 2.30pm due to a parade and associated protest.
— Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) August 10, 2014

PSNI / Twitter

2 of 2 - Affected areas - High St, Royal Avenue, North Street, Millfield, Carrick Hill, Donegall Street, Castle Street and Frederick Street.
— Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) August 10, 2014

PSNI / Twitter

In pics: 26 PSNI officers injured in violent clashes in Belfast city >

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