Paramilitaries did not organise riot, says PSNI

Paramilitaries were not behind overnight clashes in east Belfast which left six police officers injured, a senior officer said.

Seven people were arrested when rioting broke out in the Castlereagh Street and Albertbridge Road areas of the city after the "mini Twelfth" parade.

The PSNI believes the trouble was spontaneous disorder and not orchestrated.

PSNI Chief Inspector Mark McEwan said: "From what we can see there was no paramilitary involvement in what happened last night.

"The violence was spontaneous, it was by a number of people within the Castlereagh Street area attacking police, sparked off by crowds gathering on both sides."

It is understood a number of minor incidents, including an assault, sparked the violence.

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 Alliance Party condemned the third night of serious violence in east Belfast in recent weeks.

Naomi Long MP said: "People in the area want to get on with their lives free from fear and disruption and I would appeal to those involved in the trouble to act responsibly and stop hurting the community.

"It is appalling that six police officers were injured during these disturbances."

Two weeks ago petrol bombs were thrown at police and a press photographer was shot as hundreds took to the streets in the area.

The UVF were blamed for orchestrating that violence.