Fresh Belfast disorder prompts PSNI warning

Street unrest has been reported in east Belfast again this evening, with police asking motorists to avoid Castlereagh St, Woodstock Link, Albertbridge Rd and Templemore Ave in the city.

Motorists advised to avoid Castlereagh St, Woodstock Link, Albertbridge Rd, Templemore Ave due to ongoing disorder.

— Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) January 4, 2013

The PSNI earlier mobilized water cannon on Castlereagh St, where the situation had been described as "calm but tense".

Water canon now on castlereagh street where some missiles have been thrown pic.twitter.com/QcCRNfRN

— David Maxwell (@DavidGMaxwell) January 4, 2013

It follows last night's violence in the area, which saw 10 police officers injured and one in need of hospital treatment after a series of violent attacks linked to loyalist protests.

There has been sporadic trouble in east Belfast - a few petrol bombs earlier, occasional missile.so far not on same scale as last night

— Sharon O'Neill (@sharon_scoop) January 4, 2013

The protests are in opposition to a decision by councillors to restrict the number of days the British union flag is flown over Belfast City Hall.