RUC probes suspected blast bomb attack

The RUC is investigating reports that a blast bomb was thrown during overnight rioting in north Belfast.

Several loud explosions were heard during the riots but the blast bomb is believed to have been thrown shortly before midnight at the junction of North Queen Street and Duncairn Gardens.

Catholic homes were also attacked by a loyalist mob.

The blast bomb is a hallmark of the UDA and just last week, Northern Secretary John Reid warned the loyalist paramilitary group that if it was involved in any more sectarian violence he would immediately declare its ceasefire void.