A loyalist initiative to reduce tensions in Belfast has been put on hold after a fresh bout of rioting in the east of the city.
Members of the Loyalist Commission, an umbrella group representing paramilitaries, politicians and church leaders, met yesterday to formulate a plan.
But later they announced it was staying on the drawing board after the new clashes.
They are understood to be monitoring the situation and hope to proceed if the situation calms over the coming days.
The Commission said in a statement that following lengthy discussions they had been ready to come forward with "a major initiative in an effort to reduce rising tensions".
But they added: "Sadly it had to be postponed due to yet another republican orchestrated attack into a Protestant community.
"It is all the more sinister that this attack occurred within hours of a visit by Martin McGuinness to the Short Strand, where his words of peace were not reflected by his community's actions."
Police confirmed the fresh trouble and said plastic bullets were fired by the security forces at the Albertbridge Road end of the Short Strand.
A PSNI spokeswoman said a large crowd had gathered and there had been serious disorder and stoning by rival groups.
The security forces had secured a "sterile area" to keep the groups apart and there was a stand-off, she said. The area was described as tense.
PA