Belfast once again a scene of rioting and violence

Belfast witnessed one of the worst days of violence the city has seen yesterday.

The contentious Orange Order parade was re-routed to the west of the city, sparking off widespread and lengthy attacks by loyalist paramilitary groups the UVF and the UDA.

Police were stretched across the city, including the city-centre area, in an effort to contain the violence.

Catholics in the Shortstrand area of the city were surrounded by gangs of loyalists.

Several police officers and civilians were injured after the rioters opened fire and threw petrol bombs.

A number of people were arrested after vehicles were hijacked and set on fire, houses damaged and homemade explosives thrown.

It was the first time in many years that loyalist groups carried out sustained gun and bomb attacks on the city’s police.

Police say tensions remain high this morning.