Wars And Rumors of Wars: Belfast protests continue

By C. J. Refsland on January 13, 2013 • ( 0 )

Twenty-nine police injured as water cannon and plastic bullets fired in Belfast as 1,000 protestors clash in escalating violence over flying of Union flag

By Daily Mail Northern Ireland’s most senior police officer has praised his ‘courageous’ colleagues after sectarian rioting left 29 members of the force injured.

Police Service of Northern Ireland chief constable Matt Baggott said the vast majority of people were grateful for their efforts as fireworks, bricks and other missiles rained down on them.

Violence broke out in east Belfast between republicans and loyalists returning from a protest at Belfast City Hall over a council decision to restrict the flying of the Union flag there.

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Violence sparks: A family walks past a burning hijacked car during rioting in east Belfast

A hijacked car burns as a police officer in riot gear stands nearby

Armoured police vehicles surround a burning car following violence between, loyalists, nationalists and the police

Police used a water cannon against protester in east Belfast as violence got out of control

A police water cannon fires a jet at protesters in east Belfast

Water cannons and non-lethal baton rounds were fired by officers as they came under a hail of bricks and fireworks when they separated the opposing factions at an interface flashpoint on the Albertbridge Road near Short Strand.

Demonstrators were returning from a 1,000-strong protest outside Belfast City Hall against the council’s decision to restrict the flying of the Union flag.

As the loyalists approached the Short Strand there was violence across the interface with missiles being thrown by rival factions, which resulted in a number of properties being damaged in the Short Strand.

Police used water cannons and fired six baton rounds as they forced the two sides apart. Four officers were taken to hospital, two have been discharged.

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