Riot gear found in Belfast

Police tonight discovered materials used for riots during a routine search of an interface area of east Belfast.

Officers found eight crates of empty bottles used for petrol bombs and a large bag of nuts, bolts and lead weights in the Clandeboye area of the nationalist Short Strand.

The area has been the scene of violent clashes between nationalist and loyalist mobs in recent weeks.

Chief Inspector Mike Ellis of Mountpottinger Police Station appealed to all community leaders to use their influence to ease tensions in the run-up to the Twelfth of July Orange parades.

‘‘The removal of these items will contribute to the public safety of the area,’’ he added.