Trouble mars Xmas switch-on
RIVAL youths clashed as sectarian tensions overspilled in Belfast city centre at the Christmas light switch-on.
After thousands, including many families with young children, attended the annual event in front of Belfast City Hall, trouble erupted in the North Street and Castle Street areas of the city.
Windows were reportedly broken on several vehicles and fires started.
There were no reports of any injuries.
Police arrested two males, aged 19 and 17, and a 14-year-old girl in relation to the violence. They have since been released pending further reports.
DUP MLA Robin Newton described the city centre trouble as "scandalous".
"Trouble of this nature does no one any good. The young yobs that are out to have a go at each other just don't care if innocent children are injured in the process and deserve to be treated severely by the courts when caught," he said.
"The switching on ceremony is an event for children and young people and an opportunity for Belfast to put its best foot forward. The event is organised to send out a very positive indicating Belfast is open for business in the run up to the festive period."
Earlier, children's TV character Bob the Builder had the honour of switching on the lights.
Once again the lights are complimenting the hugely popular continental market in the city centre.
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Weather for Belfast
Monday 13 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 4 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 6 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North west
