Police on the streets of east Belfast

THIS is the Albertbridge Road in east Belfast on Wednesday night as police keep republicans and loyalists apart.

Scores of landrovers are at the entrance to the Short Strand as a loyalist protest of the City Hall flag row is held on the Albertbridge Road.

The area has been a flashpoint in recent years between rival factions. So far, the protest has gone peacefully.

A protest at the Ligoniel Road and Crumlin Road junction has ended peacefully.

Loyalists claim police were trying to provoke a response from the crowd who had gathered.