RESIDENTS yesterday claimed that heavy-handed action by police was to blame for a riot in Belfast which led to 40 police officers being injured during a clash with angry loyalists.

Democratic Unionist leader the Rev Ian Paisley intervened tonight in a bid to prevent further rioting in Belfast linked to a loyalist paramilitary feud.

The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and DUP leader Ian Paisley are today preparing for an historic face-to-face meeting in London.