The PSNI are viewing cctv footage in an attempt to identify rioters who participated in last night's disturbances in north Belfast.
Eighteen police officers were wounded at the controversial 'Tour of the North' loyalist parade when missiles were thrown by nationalist protesters as the parade passed the nationalist Ardoyne.
Several Orange Order marchers were also injured during violent clashes as they marched through a nationalist enclave in the north of the city. Petrol bombs, stones, golf balls and bottles were thrown during the clashes.
Water canons were fired in a bid to drive back residents gathered at the nationalist Ardoyne interface for the Tour of the North parade last night.
PSNI District Commander, Chief Supt Mike Little, said today his officers came under “sustained attack“.
He described the trouble as “extremely disappointing” and said officers would be investigating a breach of the Parades Commission ruling by the protesters.
“We will be examining CCTV footage from the scene and will work to bring all those found breaking the law to justice,” he said.
A massive security operation had been put in place for the controversial procession, one of the first in the annual Protestant marching season.
Scores of Land Rovers lined the route where Orangemen returned from the main parade past the Ardoyne shopfronts.
Nationalist residents who objected to the route taken were kept back by officers in riot gear.
Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly said blame for the trouble lay with the original ruling by the Parades Commission.
“It has been a complete disaster from the decision,” he said.
“We spent all year arguing that the Parades Commission should have the ability to deal with supporters as well.”
However, DUP MP Nigel Dodds accused the nationalist protesters of breaking the law.
“The Parades ruling allowed for a peaceful protest but the protest was violent.
“Orange brethren, bandspeople and supporters and everybody else followed the determination to the letter.
“Even when they were under attack, nobody responded. They didn't flaunt anything, they didn't have anything provocative. They were attacked viciously,” he said.
SDLP MLA Alban McGuinness said the trouble did not auger well for the coming marching season.
“There have been a series of incidents here, and I must say, a very, very unfortunate lead into the marching season,” he said. “This does not bode well. It has done nothing for community relations.”
The march was the first to be affected by an extension of the law governing the behaviour of parade supporters.
It gave police wider powers to control the movement and behaviour of parade followers at flashpoint areas.