Call for an end to interface violence
POLITICIANS on both sides of the divide have called for an end to the sectarian violence in east Belfast that saw four police officers injured on Tuesday night.
The officers were hurt during clashes in the Newtownards Road and Short Strand area.
Petrol bombs, large fireworks and other missiles were thrown during the rioting.
It is not clear exactly how or why the trouble broke out but there have been numerous clashes in the area recently.
DUP MLA for the area Robin Newton said the escalation in the violence was worrying.
"It is very concerning – we don't want to go back to the days when we had nightly rioting.
"I'd like to condemn the fact that four police officers were hurt – that's a very worrying turn of events."
Mr Newton called for a period of calm.
"I want to praise all those from both sides who attempted to quieten things down and eventually succeeded and they are to be commended for that.
"It only takes a very small spark to ignite something that turns into a significant blaze and we need a period of calm.
"I would ask anyone involved in that type of activity to pull back from the brink"
Sinn Fein east Belfast representative Niall Donnghaile also condemned those involved and called for an immediate end to the violence.
He said: "I want to make it very clear that this cannot and must not be allowed to develop into a worse situation; political unionism must make it very clear to those people responsible for carrying out these attacks that they are unacceptable and must end.
"An attack on any community is wrong and should be condemned; a lot of people in east Belfast have put in a great degree of work to avoid situations like this from developing and that work must continue.
"Community and statutory representatives and groups must build on the good work that has taken place and all of us must collectively tackle this issue together around the table before someone is seriously injured or worse."
Alliance councillor Mare Hendron said the violence was a dark reminder of the past.
She said: "This unrest was a sad throwback to the dark days of the Troubles.
"Local people do not want trouble in their community.
"They want to move forward and they want peace and stability.
"It is disgraceful that four police officers were hurt in this thoughtless, pointless violence.
"My thoughts are with them and I hope they make a speedy recovery.
"We are all working hard to boost regeneration in east Belfast and this type of behaviour sets back progress in the local community.
"I would appeal for calm and I hope we see no more scenes of this nature."
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Weather for Belfast
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
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