Nationalists and loyalists clash in Belfast

Fresh disturbances broke out in east Belfast tonight when rival nationalist and loyalist crowds hurled missiles at each other over the sectarian interface.

Police said there was stoning in Madrid Street but security forces moved in and nipped the trouble in the bud.

There was later skirmishing and stone attacks on homes in Strand Walk in the Short Strand and stoning in Clandeboye Gardens.

The security forces maintained a heavy presence in the area as rival crowds continued to mill around.

Both sides have been blaming the other for starting the trouble which erupted in gunfire last night.

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams said earlier today it was the work of loyalists and tied to efforts to heighten tensions ahead of multi party talks at Stormont on Thursday.

They have been called by the British and Irish governments in a bid to rebuilt trust leading to a restoration of the devolved administration in Belfast which was suspended six weeks ago.

Tonight, a unionist community grouping accused Catholics of provoking the renewed violence.

In a statement, the Inner East Forum said loyalists had tried to understand the nationalist community living in the Short Strand and broker talks.

But it added: “It is with regret that because of the insincerity, dishonesty and violence from the nationalist quarter, dialogue has not been able to progress.”