10/08/2013 09:56
26 police officers injured during Belfast parade protests
Police have said 26 officers were injured during violence in Belfast city centre on Friday night linked to a republican parade, BBC reported.
Loyalist protesters prevented the parade from passing along Royal Avenue.
Police said they came under heavy and sustained attack by crowds "intent on creating disorder."
Five of the injured officers needed hospital treatment. Police fired 20 plastic baton rounds and used water cannon as well as dogs.
Police said they had reports that two members of the public had been injured.
Crowds have now dispersed and the streets appear to be quiet.
Loyalist protesters attacked the police with bricks and bottles as they waited for the republican parade to arrive.
The protesters blocked Royal Avenue to prevent the republican parade getting through.
A number of parked vehicles were also set on fire in the North Street area. A number of shops were damaged as well as at least one bar.
Some loyalists accused the police of being heavy-handed.