Soldier burned by acid in Belfast

A soldier is believed to have suffered acid burns to his face after being struck by an acid bomb thrown by loyalists in Twaddell Avenue tonight, police said.

He was injured as sustained attacks on the security forces by both nationalists and loyalists continued across north Belfast.

A police spokesman said upwards of 40 petrol bombs, as well as acid bombs and other missiles had been hurled at the security forces.

The trouble spread from the original two flashpoints to the loyalist Glenbryn estate where rioters seized a car and forced it into military lines. There were no reports of casualties there.

Meanwhile, a pregnant bus driver escaped physical injury but suffered severe shock when her bus was hijacked by a group of men.

One held a hammer to her head and ordered her to drive to Ardoyne Avenue, police said.

The badly damaged vehicle was recovered later by the security forces.