Sporadic violence in Belfast

RUC officers were called to the Limestone Road area of north Belfast today after fighting broke out between nationalist and loyalist youths.

Eddie McClean, a community worker in the loyalist Tiger’s Bay area, said trouble erupted when a group of nationalists attacked Protestant houses.

A loyalist mob then chased them back to their side of the peaceline. Windows were broken as both sides unleashed a hail of stones and bottles.

The police asserted their control but Mr McClean accused republicans of being behind the attacks.

‘‘It’s very volatile. It’s definitely being orchestrated by Sinn Fein because these attacks are happening too often,’’ he added.