Stormount police injured in Iraq war protest

Three police officers were injured as violence broke out ahead of the restoration of power-sharing in the North.

Protesters blocked the road outside Stormont in Belfast where British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern were attending the opening of the new devolved administration.

One officer was taken to hospital with a suspected broken nose while another was treated for concussion following the clashes, police said.

Three arrests were made during the trouble, which was brought under control within minutes.

Peace activists had pledged to use Mr Blair’s presence at the Stormont Assembly to protest against the conflict in Iraq.

The Belfast Anti-War Movement had planned to mobilise in the city centre and travel to the gates of Parliament Buildings with banners and placards expressing opposition to events in the Middle East.