Two hurt in Belfast rioting

Two men were seriously injured after sectarian rioting broke out in north Belfast during the early hours of today, police said.

Police and soldiers came under gun and petrol bomb attack during clashes between rival factions at North Queen Street, a notorious flashpoint in the area.

Trouble flared when police blocked a crowd of about 50 people from the loyalist Tigers Bay district from entering a neighbouring nationalist area.

A police spokesman said nationalists then emerged, firing a shot and launching a number of explosive devices.

One man was taken to hospital with a gunshot wound to his chest, while another was treated for blast bomb wounds to his head and face.

Neither injury was thought to be life-threatening.

An ambulance sent to the scene was forced to take an alternative route after nationalists blocked its path, the spokesman said.

Some 13 petrol bombs were launched at police and soldiers during the fighting and a number of security force vehicles damaged.

Stones and bottles were also hurled, with the windows on at least two houses smashed.

The area was later reported to be quiet.