Nationalist rioters clash with police in Belfast

Security forces in Northern Ireland have clashed with nationalist demonstrators for a second night running.

Rioters threw petrol bombs and police responded with baton rounds during an operation to remove nationalist protesters blocking the route of a protestant march in Belfast’s Ardoyne.

A policewoman suffered head injuries as youths hurled debris from rooftops. Three police officers suffered shotgun pellet wounds during disturbances on the previous night.

A heavy security presence remains in the area and tension is said to be “high”.

The nationalist, Catholic community considers the Orange order marches provocative and triumphalist.

The Orange parades are held every year to mark the Battle of the Boyne in 1690 – which ensured protestant supremacy in Ireland.

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