Belfast police chief warns against repeat of violence that left 50 officers hurt

NORTHERN Ireland cannot afford a repeat of the sectarian violence that left almost 50 police officers injured after riots in north Belfast, Chief Constable Matt Baggott has warned.

Water cannon was deployed when the officers were attacked with fireworks, petrol bombs and masonry in disturbances they said initially involved several hundred loyalists.

Republicans were also involved in the clashes, which surrounded a republican march, but which were close to the scene of recent disorder around a loyalist parade.

The chief constable called on community leaders to take action to reduce tensions.

Loyalists and republicans attacked police in the Carlisle Circus and Antrim Road areas during significant but localised violence on Sunday. Four officers were taken to hospital with various injuries. Only one remains in hospital and his injuries are not life-threatening, while 43 other officers were treated for minor injuries.

Mr Baggott said yesterday: “We will continue to act as peacekeepers and to keep communities safe, however others have a responsibility within the community and wider society to resolve the conflict and tensions surrounding parading.

“Policing and the wider community cannot afford a repeat of last night’s events.”