Clashes break out overnight in Belfast
Reuters
2013-01-05
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Trouble in Northern Ireland's capital Belfast for the second consecutive night as police clash with pro-British loyalists.
Nine officers were injured and 18 people arrested as up to 300 protesters reportedly hurled petrol bombs, fireworks and stones.
The violence comes a day after 10 police officers were injured during another demonstration, also in East Belfast, following a decision to reduce the number of days the Union Flag is flown from Belfast City Hall.
That decision a month ago, after a vote by mostly nationalist pro-Irish councillors, prompted the most sustained violence in the city in years.
Anti-British Catholic dissident groups have so far not joined in the flag protests, however, limiting the threat to Northern Ireland's 15-year-old peace.
Loyalists plan to hold another demonstration calling for reinstating the Union Flag outside City Hall on Saturday.
Nine officers were injured and 18 people arrested as up to 300 protesters reportedly hurled petrol bombs, fireworks and stones.
The violence comes a day after 10 police officers were injured during another demonstration, also in East Belfast, following a decision to reduce the number of days the Union Flag is flown from Belfast City Hall.
That decision a month ago, after a vote by mostly nationalist pro-Irish councillors, prompted the most sustained violence in the city in years.
Anti-British Catholic dissident groups have so far not joined in the flag protests, however, limiting the threat to Northern Ireland's 15-year-old peace.
Loyalists plan to hold another demonstration calling for reinstating the Union Flag outside City Hall on Saturday.
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