POLICE IN NORTHERN Ireland have said that calm has been restored to areas of south and east Belfast following earlier violence.
The Upper Newtownards Road has been re-opened to traffic. It had been closed because of public disorder, including the use of petrol bombs and fireworks as missiles against officers.
A car was also set on fire in Bute Park.
Police continue to maintain a presence in the area.
In a statement tonight, the PSNI said operations were put in place across the city because of protests that were organised through social media outlets.
About 400 people gathered outside Belfast City Hall between 6pm and 7pm. The demonstration was described as “largely peaceful” with crowds dispersing “without incident”.
However, some violence was seen at Short Strand, where a number of missiles were thrown as a 250-strong crowd returned to east Belfast. Additional police officers responded to support neighbourhood officer who were already on the ground in the area. They dealt with about 70 people – mainly youths – who had gathered there.
In the Newtownards Road area, police officers moved protesters with the aim of separating ‘rival factions’. However, they then came under attack on the Lower Newtownards Road.
Missiles, including petrol and paint bombs, fireworks and heavy masonry were used against officers. Vehicles were attacked with hatchets and sledge hammers.
Water cannon were deployed and five Attenuating Energy Projectile (AEP) rounds fired. PSNI justified their use was because of “the level of violence being encountered”.
According to its statement, “Protesters proceeded to construct a barricade in the middle of the road and set this on fire. Police also received a report of an attempted car hi-jacking in the Templemore Avenue area and attempted lorry hi-jacking in the Albertbridge Road area.”
Two males and two females have been arrested for riot and public order offences.
Tonight marks the fifth consecutive evening of violence in the city over a city council decision to end the year-round flying of the British flag over its headquarters.
More than 60 police officers have been injured and almost 100 people arrested sine the row began.
The Union Flag is expected to be raised above City Hall on Wednesday, to mark the Duchess of Cambridge’s birthday.
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