Tensions run high as loyalist marches begin

Catholic protesters launched a barrage of abuse at Orangemen today as they walked along Belfast’s most hotly disputed parade route.

Amid heavy security, loyalists marched past the flashpoint Ardoyne district on their way to join the main Twelfth demonstrations in the city.

But despite tensions running dangerously high after police warned that republicans were planning to riot in the area later today, there were no clashes between the two sides.

More than 200 Catholics lining the road chanted ‘‘no sectarian marches’’ and whistled and jeered at the Orangemen.

Some also spat on the marchers.

The tinderbox atmosphere in the city has been heightened after the army defused a bomb close to where the main parade will pass.

But neither of the two feeder marches provoked any trouble.

In west Belfast around 150 protesters turned out as Orangemen came down the Springfield Road.

Once again, they whistled and shouted but there was no contact between the two sides.

The heavy security operation mounted in the area began to pull out soon after the parade passed through.