Police were out in force in east Belfast on Monday night as large crowds gathered at Short Strand interface

POLICE are investigating reports that a child has been injured by a petrol bomb in east Belfast.

Residents say a petrol bomb was thrown from the nationalist Short Strand district into the loyalist Thistle Court.

A four-year-old child is reported to have been injured in the attack.

One loyalist in the area said people were “outraged” at the latest attack on Cluan Place.

“Is this what Sinn Fein call a shared future?” the loyalist asked.

Trouble has been brewing in the area since the weekend.

Belfast Daily reported on Monday night of a heavy police presence on the streets of east Belfast.

Large crowds gathered along the interface at Short Strand and Newtownards Road.

Locals say up to 40 police landrovers with Tactical Support Group officers were on the scene.

The crowds soon dispersed after local community representatives appeared on the scene to bring calm to the volatile situation.

On Sunday night, trouble flared in the area after a teenager lobbed a petrol bomb into Cluan Place.

The 15-year-old was later arrested on suspicion of throwing the device and possessing a Class B drug.

Fireworks, bottles and other missiles were also thrown during disturbances in east Belfast.

It happened after police responded to reports that around 80 youths had gathered in the Castlereagh Street area.

Police said no injuries had been reported during the trouble.

A 39-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of disorderly behaviour and provocative conduct.