Several injured in sectarian clashes

Security forces keep rival factions apart

Several people, including three police officers, have been injured during trouble between rival factions in north Belfast.

Stones, fireworks and bottles were thrown at the security forces on the flashpoint Ardoyne Road area of the city at about 1400 BST on Saturday.

The police formed lines across the road to separate loyalist and nationalist residents.

A pensioner was struck by a firework during the clashes and was treated in hospital. The injuries are not thought to have been serious.

Clashes

Loyalists said they were attacked with shards of metal.

The area was later reported peaceful after most of the crowds faded away.

The Ardoyne Road has been the scene of daily protests by loyalists outside a Catholic primary school.

Protestant residents of Glenbryn have been protesting over alleged attacks on their homes by republicans in the greater Ardoyne area, as well as the route the children take to school.

Sectarian tensions in north Belfast and surrounding areas have been high since the summer.

In recent months both Catholic and Protestant homes have been attacked.

The tensions also spilled over into sporadic outbreaks of rioting and street clashes in recent weeks.