Five officers hurt as ‘marching season’ violence flares

Five police officers have been injured during violence linked to the North’s marching season, it was revealed tonight.

A trio came under attack from youths who hurled stones, masonry and six petrol bombs at them in Rasharkin, County Antrim.

Separate disturbances at the nationalist Ardoyne shop front flashpoint in north Belfast saw one police woman hurt and more missiles thrown.

And officers came under further attack with missiles during a security operation in Armagh.

They were dealing with a bomb which exploded in the Friary Road area of the city earlier. Police said four people were arrested for public order offences and minor disturbances with several petrol bombs thrown but no injuries.

There were two cars stolen but police and local representatives are working to restore calm.