Nuovi scontri a East Belfast, quattro agenti feriti. Incidenti a Short Strand

PSNI hurt in clashes after flag protest

Four police officers have been injured after trouble broke out in east Belfast following a loyalist flag protest in the city centre.

They were hurt during disorder in Castlereagh Street on Saturday afternoon. They have been taken to hospital for treatment.

Police also fired one baton round during the disturbances and water cannon has also been deployed.

Clashes have also erupted between loyalist and nationalist crowds near the Short Strand area, where it is understood homes have been attacked.

A PSNI spokesman advised motorists to avoid the Albertbridge Road, Castlereagh Street and Templemore Avenue.

Earlier flag protestors gathered at Belfast City Hall to show their ongoing objection to the council’s decision to limit the flying of the Union flag to 18 designated days.

They came from across Belfast and further afield to take part in the weekend demonstration, which has been held each Saturday since the vote was taken in December.

Roads surrounding the city hall, including Wellington Place, Donegall Place, Donegall Square North, Chichester Street and Victoria Street, Anne Street were closed to traffic during the rally. They have now reopened.

Public transport into and out of the city has been disrupted and Translink said a number of bus services have been suspended.

“All East Belfast Metro services are currently being held in Belfast until further notice,” Translink added.

There was a low-key police operation surrounding the protest at city hall, which passed off without incident.

On Friday night, violence broke out in Newtownabbey where four police officers were injured. Rioting also flared in Carrickfergus.

It came in the wake of six consecutive nights of violence in east Belfast earlier this month.

During the week the Confederation of British Industry revealed the flag dispute has cost businesses in Belfast up to £15m.

Local traders are expected to ask local politicians for a bailout at a meeting of business owners planned for next week.

A peace rally will be held in the city centre on Sunday afternoon.

Police say around 70 PSNI officers have been injured during outbreaks of rioting linked to the flag dispute since December.