Police injured in Belfast clashes

FIFTEEN police officers were injured in a second night of serious disorder in Belfast.

Three were taken to hospital during trouble that saw rioters throw 15 petrol bombs at police lines in the Carlisle Circus area, in the north of the city.

Officers used water cannon and fired six baton rounds at the crowds as troubled flared on Monday night.

Rioters also hurled stones, bottles, fireworks and rocks and hijacked a van.

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

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