Night of loyalist rioting leaves 32 police injured

THIRTY two police officers were injured after loyalist terrorists unleashed one of the "most dangerous riots" across Belfast and beyond, Chief Constable Hugh Orde revealed last night.

Paramilitary gunmen fired at least 50 shots at security lines as mobs launched a barrage of petrol and blast bomb attacks during ferocious street violence in the city.

Police and soldiers discharged 430 baton rounds and used water canons in a bid to drive back thugs who went on the rampage after a controversially re-routed Orange Order parade. They also returned live fire.