Serious rioting broke out in Belfast tonight. The violence broke out as Sinn Féin’s Gerry Kelly was addressing a march in the Short Strand area of the city.
It is understood Loyalist crowds attacked nationalist-owned houses shortly after 7pm. Part of the crowd attending the rally then broke away to confront them.
Hundreds of people confronted the loyalists and a pitched battle ensued. The PSNI fired a number of plastic bullets as thousands took part in the violence.
The PSNI and British army created a 'sterile area' between the sides but disturbances are continuing. A police officer has sustained head injuries after he was struck with a stone.
A number of people have been brought to hospital, including a woman who suffered shrapnel-type wounds after a suspected blast bomb device exploded in Madrid Street. Police are examining a second unexploded device nearby.