Police officers injured in Northern Ireland riots

• Police clash with Nationalist protesters in the Ardoyne Road area of north Belfast yesterday

The trouble flared ahead of today's 12th of July Orange marches in West Belfast.

Four of the wounded officers were taken to hospital but the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) have confirmed that their injuries are not life-threatening.

Petrol bombs, stones and bricks were launched at officers and a hijacked bus was driven at police lines separating loyalists and nationalists, but crashed before reaching the cordon.

A number of other vehicles were also hijacked including a motorbike and a van, which were set on fire.

Police fired baton rounds and water canons in an attempt to disperse the rioting crowds.

Dave Jones, the PSNI assistant chief constable, praised his colleagues for their professionalism in handling the violence.

He said: "We would appeal for everyone to do everything they can to help ensure all areas are peaceful over the next 48 hours. Violence does not need to be inevitable."

Fire and ambulance crews were also targeted by missile-throwing youths.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said it received 180 calls in connection with the rioting.

Chris Kerr, NIFRS deputy chief fire officer, said that the NIFRS would continue to engage with community representatives to ensure public safety.

"Firefighters are already exposed to significant risk, in what can be a dangerous profession, without having to face such deliberate attacks from those who they are trying to serve," he said.

Thousands Orange Order members will join in marches today to mark the anniversary of the Protestant victory over the Catholics at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.

Security chiefs have increased resources in flashpoint areas and all available police officers will be on duty to cover today's 19 separate demonstrations.