RUC attacked by loyalist petrol bombers

The RUC came under petrol bomb attack from loyalist gangs in east Belfast overnight.

Up to 50 petrol bombs were hurled at police patrols over several hours in the Ballybeen and Newtonards road areas.

There were no reported injuries.

The trouble flared after police searched an area around a bonfire prepared in Ballybeen for tonight’s Eleventh Night celebrations, which traditionally precede the July 12 Orange parades.

The RUC said they had found 1,200 bottles hidden in undergrowth, but there was no sign of petrol.