Sporadic violence on streets of Belfast

There was sporadic violence on the streets of Belfast overnight, with cars burned out and petrol bombs and missiles thrown at RUC officers and firefighters.

However, there was no repeat of Thursday’s rioting, which left 113 RUC officers injured after seven hours of violence.

Speaking as he left Weston Park Hall in Britain last night, the SDLP’s Seamus Mallon said disappointment at the lack of progress at talks between the pro-agreement parties is beginning to show on the streets.