Politicians play blame game after Belfast riots

Unionists and nationalists have blamed each other for rioting in east Belfast which left several people injured last night.

Around 200 people were involved in the violence in Short Strand, with loyalists in Cluan Place and nationalists in Clandeboyne Road throwing missiles, petrol bombs and blast bombs across the 'peaceline' barrier separating the two communities.

The DUP said that republicans from Short Strand started the trouble and it criticised the police for treating the Catholic enclave as a no-go area.

Sinn Fein said loyalists were responsible and called on the police to stop loyalist mobs from gathering and attacking Catholics on a nightly basis.