Six police officers injured in Belfast riot

Six police officers were injured and seven people were arrested during overnight clashes in east Belfast, the PSNI said today.

Rioting broke out in the Castlereagh Street and Albertbridge Road areas of the city following yesterday’s “mini Twelfth” parade, a force spokeswoman said.

Police vehicles were damaged and missiles were thrown at officers trying to quell the “significant disorder”.

Officers used rubber bullets and a water cannon to try and disperse the crowds, bringing calm to the Albertbridge Road area during the early hours of this morning.

The force spokeswoman said seven people had been arrested for disorderly behaviour during the trouble.

Six officers were hurt during the disturbance by youths throwing masonry, but none of their injuries are said to be life threatening, she added.