23/08/2005

Rival factions clash in Belfast

Rival factions have again clashed in north and east Belfast on Monday evening.

Petrol bombs and stones were thrown close to shops in Ardoyne in north Belfast when up to 100 youths, some as young as six, clashed.

In east Belfast, there was also a stand-off involving around 50 youths in the Short Strand area. There were no arrests and no injuries reported in either incident.

Monday's incidents are the second such disturbances in two days in east Belfast.

On Sunday, around 400 nationalists and loyalists clashed during several hours of rioting following the Rangers and Celtic game which was televised live on satellite.

One man was hurt and up to five shots where heard during those disturbances.

East Belfast DUP Councillor Robin Newton said there was a strong opinion among residents of the mainly protestant Cluan Place that the attack was sparked by Rangers' victory earlier in the day.

However, Sinn Féin representative for East Belfast Deborah Devenny said nationalist residents in Short Strand were “sickened and disgusted by a week of attacks on the area by loyalist thugs”.

(MB/SP)

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