AT LEAST 26 police officers were injured last night after violence involving loyalist protesters erupted ahead of a republican procession in north Belfast. The planned procession had attracted loyalist protesters to the Carlisle Circus, Antrim Road and Clifton Street areas of the city. Missiles including stones and bottles were thrown at police.
Tensions have simmered in recent days over trouble close to a Catholic church not far from today’s parade. The PSNI used water cannons to deter further attacks on police.
Late last night PSNI Chief Supt George Clarke said officers were continuing to deal with “significant but localised disorder” in the area. He said at least 26 officers had been injured during the disruption and three had been taken to hospital.
He urged all individuals and communities involved to “take a step back”.
“Violence has serious and unwanted consequences for all of us,” he said.
North Belfast was the scene of serious rioting earlier this year when republicans attacked police following a loyal order parade through the Ardoyne on July 12th.
Also at the weekend, police in the North launched a murder inquiry after a man’s body was found in east Belfast.
George Gray (52), a father of three, was found dead by a friend in his home at Cregagh Road, on Friday evening.
The PSNI have said they believe he died following a vicious assault.
Speaking about the death senior investigating officer Det Insp Chris Wilson said the victim appeared to have been “a very quiet man who kept to himself and enjoyed his football”.
He appealed for anyone who saw anything suspicious in the Greenway area, between Thursday evening and Friday morning, to contact them.
Two men, aged 29 and, 34, have been arrested. It is not believed there is any paramilitary or drugs connection to the death.