Shots reported at Belfast peaceline

Gunfire was reported in Belfast tonight as police and army were drafted in to keep rival sectarian mobs apart at two of the city’s troublespots.

A heavy security presence was needed in north Belfast where crowds gathered at the Ardoyne peaceline were pelting each other with stones and other missiles.

A Police Service of Northern Ireland spokesman said: “There was a report of shots being fired in the area.”

No injuries were reported.

Across in east Belfast, where 13 police officers were injured during serious weekend disorder, Catholic and Protestant gangs were again fighting.

Stones were hurled between the loyalist Cluan Place and Clandeboye Drive in the staunchly nationalist Short Strand enclave.

A small explosion heard in the area was believed to have been caused by fireworks.

As order was restored police said both areas remained tense.