Police hurt in Belfast riot

Three police officers were injured in a riot near to the centre of Belfast early today.

Six people were arrested and one civilian injured when police moved in to disperse an angry crowd and were pelted with bricks and bottles.

The Police Service said officers were responding to reports of a man being assaulted in University Street when they were confronted by a crowd which grew to 250.

Officers withdrew and many in the crowd drifted away. A hardcore of 50-60 remained and became hostile, said police. When they blocked the road police moved in to disperse them and came under attack.

None of the injuries was reported to be serious.