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'Shots fired' during loyalist flag violence in east Belfast
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Loyalist protesters block of the Newtownards Road Belfast where shots are reported to have been fired on Saturday January 5 2013
Colm O'Reilly Photography
Loyalist protestors converge on Belfast City Hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013
Mark McCormick
Loyalist protestors converge on Belfast City Hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013
Mark McCormick
Loyalist protestors converge on Belfast City Hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013
Mark McCormick
Loyalist protestors converge on Belfast City Hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013
Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye
Loyalist Protestors converge on Belfast city hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013. Ongoing protests and demonstrations continue at the removal of the Union flag from the city hall. The protest was largley peacfull with only minor skermishes.Picture Mark McCormick.
Mark McCormick
PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards after a Loyalist flag protest at Belfast City Hall
Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye
Willie Frazer at loyalist protests near Belfast city hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013
Mark McCormick
Loyalist protestors converge on Belfast city hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013
Mark McCormick
Loyalist protestors converge on Belfast city hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013
Mark McCormick
Loyalist protestors converge on Belfast city hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013
Mark McCormick
Loyalist protestors converge on Belfast city hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013
Mark McCormick
Loyalist protestors converge on Belfast city hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013
Mark McCormick
Willie Frazer talks to Sara Girvin as loyalist protestors converge on Belfast city hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013
Mark McCormick
PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards
Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye
SNI officers on the Lower Newtownards
Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye
PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards
Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye
Loyalist flag protest at Belfast City Hall
Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye
Loyalist flag protest at Belfast City Hall
Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye
Loyalist flag protest at Belfast City Hall.
Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye
PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards
Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye
PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards t
Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye
Loyalist flag protest at Belfast City Hall
Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye
Loyalist flag protest at Belfast City Hall
Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye
PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards
Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye
PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards
Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye
PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards
Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye
PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards
Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye
PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards
Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye
PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards road, Belfast January 5 2013
Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye
Castlereagh Street area of east Belfast following loyalist rioting January 3 2013
Flag protest at Cluan Place, January 3 2013
Flag protest at Cluan Place, January 3 2013
Flag protest at Cluan Place, January 3 2013
A burning barricade on the Newtownards road area of Belfast, where police have been targeted by rioters
Flag protest at Cluan Place, January 3 2013
Flag protest at Cluan Place, January 3 2013
Flag protest at Cluan Place, January 3 2013
Flag protest at Cluan Place, January 3 2013
Carrickfergus flag protest. January 2, 2013
Carrickfergus Flag Protest, January 2 2013.
Loyalists across Northern Ireland have been protesting since councillors in Belfast voted to limit the number of days they fly the Union flag
Loyalist protestors and PSNI officers pictured at Belfast City Hall on 22 December 2012
Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye
Jackie McDonald has warned that loyalist protests cannot succeed in having the Union flag reinstated above Belfast City Hall
Martin McKeown
Loyalist protestors and PSNI officers pictured at Belfast City Hall on 22 December 2012
Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye
Loyalist protestors and PSNI officers pictured at Belfast City Hall on 22 December 2012
Mark McCormick
Loyalist protestors and PSNI officers pictured at Belfast City Hall on 22 December 2012
Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye
Loyalist protestors and PSNI officers pictured at Belfast City Hall on 22 December 2012
Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye
Loyalist protestors and PSNI officers pictured at Belfast City Hall on 22 December 2012
Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye
Loyalist protestors and PSNI officers pictured at Belfast City Hall on 22 December 2012
Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye
Loyalists block the Sandy Row area of Belfast as part of a mass protest over flags
Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt and First Minister Peter Robinson were among those holding talks about the Union flag dispute in Belfast
Loyalists protesting around the village area in south Belfast December 17 2012
Loyalists protesting, blocking traffic in Derry
MCLAUGHLIN ©
Loyalists protesting, blocking traffic in Derry
MCLAUGHLI ©
Loyalists protesting, blocking traffic in Derry
MCLAUGHLIN ©
Loyalist hold protests around the village area in south Belfast
Loyalist hold protests around the village area in south Belfast
Loyalist hold protests around the village area in south Belfast
Loyalist hold protests around the village area in south Belfast
Loyalist hold protests around the village area in south Belfast
Loyalist hold protests around the village area in south Belfast
Loyalists taking part in a protest over the restrictions of flying the Union flag protesting outside Belfast City Hall
Up to 1,000 people took part in the cross community Peace Gathering in Belfast city centre
Loyalists in Belfast have been protesting against a decision to reduce the number of days the Union flag will fly from City Hall
Protest outside the Alliance Party office in East Belfast belonging to Naomi Long, following the decision by Belfast City Council to stop flying the union flag every day. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday December 4, 2012. See PA story ULSTER Flag. Photo credit should read: Paul Faith/PA Wire
Paul Faith
Alliance party office which was set on fire in Carrickfergus after a protest rally over the Union flag
Alliance party office which was set on fire in Carrickfergus after a flag protest
Alliance party office which was set on fire in Carrickfergus after a protest rally over the Union flag
Alliance party office which was set on fire in Carrickfergus after a protest rally over the Union flag
Alliance party office which was set on fire in Carrickfergus after a protest rally over the Union flag
Alliance party office which was set on fire in Carrickfergus after a protest rally over the Union flag
Alliance party office which was set on fire in Carrickfergus after a protest rally over the Union flag
Alliance party office which was set on fire in Carrickfergus after a protest rally over the Union flag
Alliance party office which was set on fire in Carrickfergus after a protest rally over the Union flag
Police in Carrick come under attack from protestors following a fire at the Alliance party office
Police in Carrick come under attack from protestors following a fire at the Alliance party office
Aftermath of riots in Carrickfergus. Photograph by Mark Winter
Aftermath of riots in Carrickfergus. Photograph by Mark Winter
Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days. Loyalist protesters pictured on the Newtownards Road during the protest
Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days.
Northern Ireland- 4th December 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days. Loyalist protesters pictured on the Newtownards Road during the protest.
Northern Ireland- 4th December 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days. Loyalist protesters pictured on the Newtownards Road during the protest.
Northern Ireland- 4th December 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days. Loyalist protesters pictured on the Newtownards Road during the protest.
Northern Ireland- 4th December 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days. Loyalist protesters pictured on the Newtownards Road during the protest.
Northern Ireland- 4th December 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days. Loyalist protesters pictured on the Newtownards Road during the protest.
Northern Ireland- 4th December 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days. Loyalist protesters pictured on the Newtownards Road during the protest.
Northern Ireland- 4th December 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days. Loyalist protesters pictured on the Newtownards Road during the protest.
Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days. Loyalist protesters pictured on the Newtownards Road during the protest
Loyalist protestors carrying Union flags clash with police outside the City Hall in Belfast
Paul Faith
Loyalist protestors carrying Union flags clash with police outside the City Hall in Belfast
Paul Faith
Loyalist protestors carrying Union flags clash with police outside the City Hall in Belfast
Paul Faith
Loyalist protestors carrying Union flags clash with police outside the City Hall in Belfast
Paul Faith
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall
Paul Faith
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall
Paul Faith
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall
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Frontline police officers have reported coming under gunfire as fresh loyalist violence erupted in Northern Ireland over the flying of the union flag.
One man, aged 38, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, while two others were also detained amid ongoing street disturbances.
More than 1,000 demonstrators marched on Belfast's City Hall earlier today, but despite tense scenes and some scuffles the rally passed off without major incident.
There was a heavy police presence, including officers in riot gear with dogs stationed within the historic civic building itself and on surrounding side streets. But as the flag-waving crowds dispersed, ugly scenes flared again - for the third night in a row - on the Newtownards Road in the traditionally unionist east of the city.
Police again came under attack from a missile-throwing mob of around 100 loyalists, who hurled bricks and fireworks at officers. A section of the usually busy Newtownards Road - between Bridgend and Hollywood Arches - was shut down because of the sporadic disorder.
There were no immediate reports of any police injuries. A PSNI spokesman said they were investigating reports from their own officers that a number of shots were fired at police lines.
Conall McDevitt, policing spokesman for the nationalist SDLP, said the firing of shots at police officers ended any claim to legitimacy by protest organisers.
"Whatever grievance some people may have had, it is totally lost when they allow people to use these protests as cover for attempted murder," said the South Belfast MLA.
"There is only one response possible - and that's a firm policing response against everyone involved in illegal protests and anyone seeking to organise or encourage illegal or violent demonstrations."
Mr McDevitt urged unionist leaders to publicly reject the protests "before someone is killed or seriously injured".
Loyalist violence last night saw 18 people arrested and nine police officers injured. More than 30 petrol bombs, along with fireworks, ball bearings and masonry were hurled at officers during a sustained attack in the east of the city. Up to 300 people were involved in the disturbances.
None of the police injuries are life threatening, however one female officer required medical treatment at the scene by an ambulance.
Three attempted vehicle hijackings were made in the Beersbridge Road area while a business premises on the O'Neill Road was broken into, damaged and money stolen from it.
The PSNI said they will be seeking further arrests in the coming days in relation to the disorder and have appealed for witnesses.
On Thursday 10 police officers were injured during a demonstration in east Belfast. Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson yesterday said violence against the police was a "disgrace" and those behind days of unrest were playing into the hands of dissident republicans.
Street protests have been going on for more than a month now against the decision to reduce the number of days the Union Flag is flown from Belfast City Hall. There have also been death threats to politicians.
Mr Robinson said: "The violence and destruction visited on the PSNI is a disgrace, criminally wrong and cannot be justified.
"Those responsible are doing a grave disservice to the cause they claim to espouse and are playing into the hands of those dissident groups who would seek to exploit every opportunity to further their terror aims."
He said some demonstrators were employing language borrowed from the republican handbook to demonise police and undermine the DUP through a call for direct rule from London.
"All right-thinking unionists will want to channel their energies into political activity and to support the cause of finding political solutions to the problems that we face," Mr Robinson said.
"In Northern Ireland the ballot box has primacy and is the only vehicle for choosing the people's representatives."
Ireland's Tanaiste (deputy prime minister) and Foreign Affairs Minister Eamon Gilmore condemned the latest attacks on police officers.
"These attacks over the past three days are not the mark of legitimate protest but are the actions of a small group who want to bring Northern Ireland back to a darker past," he said.
Mr Gilmore said the Irish Government fully supports the efforts of and will remain in close contact with elected leaders in Northern Ireland to resolve the flags issue.
Belfast Telegraph
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