Shots fired in east Belfast

Gunshots were fired in east Belfast tonight as violence erupted for the fourth night running.

An ambulance was sent to the Short Strand area after several shots were fired.

The violence flared as loyalists in the nearby Newtownards Road were holding street parties to mark the Queen’s Jubilee.

Three people were injured last night as rioting engulfed the area.

A police spokeswoman said the reports of gunfire tonight were in Cluan Place where houses were attacked last night by a gunman firing from the nationalist side.

The incident occurred despite a heavy police and army presence in the area throughout the day.