Rioting erupts in North Belfast

Serious rioting erupted in North Belfast tonight as rival factions clashed again.

Police said there were ‘‘major disturbances’’ in the Ardoyne Road area with petrol bombs thrown and a large number of fireworks set off.

There were also claims of up to 10 shots being fired, although no-one was reported injured.

The area was shaken by a large explosion, believed to have been a tank of domestic heating fuel set on fire.

Police and troops in full riot gear moved into the area to separate republican and loyalist groups.

A Police Service spokesman said their arrival was followed by ‘‘a tense stand-off’’.