PSNI officers hurt in second night of violence

Nine police officers were injured during a second night of serious disorder in North Belfast.

Three were taken to hospital during trouble that saw rioters armed with petrol bombs attack police lines in the Carlisle Circus area of the city.

Officers used water cannons and fired six baton rounds at the crowds as troubled flared last night.

Rioters also hurled stones, bottles, fireworks and rocks and hijacked a van in Denmark Street before pushing it towards police lines.

The extent of the injuries sustained by the police officers taken to hospital are not yet known.

Terry Spence, chairman of the Northern Ireland Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers, said: “Their bravery and courage in stark contrast to that of the cowardly thugs responsible for trying to murder them.”

The Police Service of Northern Ireland advised motorists to avoid the Carlisle Circus area due to the disorder.

The latest disorder came after 47 PSNI officers were injured on Sunday night during riots linked to a republican parade nearby and a loyalist protest.