The PSNI are today investigating reports that a number of shots have been fired at police lines on the Newtownards Road.

Eighteen people have been arrested after nine police officers were injured during the latest outburst of loyalist violence in the North.

Loyalist violence left a number of police officers in the North injured after they were attacked by a large crowd.

Paramilitaries were not behind overnight clashes in east Belfast which left six police officers injured, a senior officer said.

Six police officers were injured and seven people were arrested during overnight clashes in east Belfast, the PSNI said today.

Business owners were advised to stay away from their premises in East Belfast today as police dealt with a disturbance.