47 PSNI officers hurt amid rioting (From Times Series)

47 PSNI officers hurt amid rioting

7:43am Monday 3rd September 2012 in National News © Press Association 2013

Almost 50 police officers were injured on Sunday night during hours of rioting linked to sectarian clashes in north Belfast.

Water cannon were deployed after the officers were attacked with fireworks, petrol bombs and masonry.

Loyalists and republicans attacked police in the Carlisle Circus and Antrim Road areas during significant but localised violence linked to a republican parade.

Four officers were taken to hospital with various injuries. Only one remains in hospital and his injuries are not life-threatening, while 43 other officers were treated for various minor injuries.

Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Superintendent George Clarke said: "I am both angry and sad that my officers have been subjected to such significant attack. They showed tremendous courage in the face of enduring violence."

At lunchtime a large crowd congregated between the Belfast Orange Hall and Carlisle Circus. A lawful parade had been organised but police had received no notification of a protest.

When police arrived on the scene some people within the crowd had masked their faces and police observed masonry being broken up by a number of individuals. Police talked to community representatives with the aim of reducing tension and facilitating the lawful parade.

To allow the parade to pass along its notified route, police moved the crowd back towards Carlisle Circus. Bricks and other missiles were exchanged between parade supporters and protesters as the procession passed through the area, but the most sustained violence was directed at police lines. As the parade dispersed, youths also began attacking police in the Antrim Road area. Trouble continued throughout the night, until the area was reported calm at around 2am.

Mr Clarke said people would be held to account for their actions, adding: "I am urging all individuals and communities affected by recent events to take a step back. Violence has serious and unwanted consequences for us all. We must work harder at finding solutions through talking and accommodation. We cannot continue to see the lives of our community and our police officers put at such risk."

Police have arrested a 17-year-old male on suspicion of riotous behaviour.