POLICE OFFICER INJURED AS SERIOUS RIOTING ERUPTS IN EAST BELFAST

Police officer lies injured on the Newtownards Road on Friday night

Police officer lies injured on the Newtownards Road on Friday night

A POLICE officer has been injured during sustained attacks in east Belfast.

The PSNI has moved water cannon into the Short Strand district in east Belfast.

Trouble flared after Orangemen paraded past St Matthew’s Church on their return journey home.

Police have now put a protective PSNI line around the chapel to stop it coming under further attack.

Loyalist and republicans clashed at the Short Strand interface, hurling missiles, stones and bottles.

Loyalist rioters were also letting down tyres on police land rovers on the Lower Newtownards Road.

Water cannon being used in East Belfast on Friday night

Water cannon being used in East Belfast on Friday night

PSNI moved in but were pelted with bottles.

Senior officers have now called people to clear the Newtownards Road.

Police in riot gear have moved in with dogs and orders have been given to move water cannon into the area.

The Police Federation said: “Police have come under attack in several parts of Belfast.

“Officers are responding with water canon and AEP deployment (baton rounds).”

Senior PSNI officers have called for an end to the trouble.

The PSNI said: “Police are appealing for calm and asking for strong leadership for all parties.”

 

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