Parades protestors block road in north Belfast

A small group of nationalists has blocked the Crumlin Road in north Belfast as part of a protest against two Orange Order parades in the area later today.

The Parades Commission has allowed the marches to pass Catholic estates in the Ardoyne, despite the opposition of local residents and the Orangemen's refusal to speak to them.

Around 60 of these residents mounted a sit-down protest on the Crumlin Road early this morning wearing t-shirts reading "Equality and Respect".

They were also chanting slogans like "No Talk, No Walk".

Senior Sinn Féin figures like Gerry Adams, Gerry Kelly and Bairbre de Brun arrived shortly after the start of the demonstration, while local priest Aidan Troy is also present.

The PSNI is expected to eventually move in and force the protestors off the road.