In East Belfast, a total of 12 officers were injured after being attacked and targeted with missiles and petrol bombs. A Mutial Aid officer sustained a broken leg while a PSNI officer has a suspected broken jaw. Water cannons were deployed to try to push back the rioters.

Six people were arrested in the area for offences ranging from disorderly behaviour and resisting arrest to assault. A 39-year-old male was also arrested for "doing a provocative act".

A video, released by the police cervice, shows the kind of violence officers were faced with:

(Video: Police ServiceNI/YouTube)

Today Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore condemned the violence and "disrespect for the rule of law" which he said was an affront to the decent people of the city.

"We are at one in our commitment and determination to uphold the law and support the police," he said. "Our thoughts in particular are with those who were injured upholding the peace."

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