The BBC’s Mark Simpson on the events in east Belfast
A Protestant clergyman has said two men were shot during trouble in east Belfast
The police confirmed shots were fired by nationalist and loyalist crowds during the disturbances in the Short Strand area.
Trouble broke out between rioters at a sectarian interface on the lower Newtownards Road and Mountpottinger Road around 2100 BST on Monday.
The PSNI said one officer was taken to hospital with an eye injury.
Petrol bombs, fireworks, bricks, stones and smoke bombs were thrown and homes were damaged during the trouble.
Reverend Mervyn Gibson was at the scene.
“After midnight there were two bursts of gunfire,” he said.
“Two young men on the Protestant side were injured, both shot in the legs.
“I was with them both and helped others to arrange to get them to hospital.
Missiles were thrown at police trying to restore calm to the area “It really was a serious scene. I haven’t seen trouble like this for maybe 10 years in the area.”
Sinn Fein MLA Alex Maskey was also on the ground during the disturbances.
“The PSNI told me that they had injured people with plastic bullets on the loyalist side, people who were clearly the aggressors. I have no idea who else was injured,” he said.
Mr Maskey claimed members of the loyalist paramilitary group, the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) took part in the attack on the Short Strand.
“I am very clear in what I am saying,” he said.
This particular interface on the lower Newtownards Road has a long history of sectarian violence. The area around St Matthews Catholic church was where the Provisional IRA was involved in its first major gun battle in 1970. At the time republicans claimed they were defending the church and the Catholic community who live in the adjoining Short Strand area, from loyalist attack. Confrontations have flared up sporadically ever since. Following the signing of the Good Friday Agreement and the ongoing peace process, the Catholic church has still been the target of sectarian attacks. Both sides have blamed each other for the violence along the interface. The rioting on Monday night was the most serious for some time.
“I am making a very serious statement and as far as people in the Short Strand are concerned, the UVF launched an attack on the Catholic community in this area. I think it’s absolutely disgraceful.”
Police came under attack trying to restore order.
Laser pens were used to try and ‘blind’ police. One officer was treated for an eye injury in hospital.
Police said they are also investigating a report of an attempted hijacking of a bus.
District Commander Chief Superintendent Alan McCrum said between 400 to 500 people were involved in the disorder.
He said police were working tirelessly in the community to reduce tensions and prevent disorder.
“We recognise and appreciate the efforts made by community leaders and representatives who worked hard to reduce tensions and calm the situation,” he said.
“We would appeal to anyone with any influence to continue to work with police to tackle these issues which are damaging for the whole community.
“This is an issue that cannot be addressed by police alone. Much more can be achieved if everyone in the community works together.”
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