Police attacked by petrol bombers

A lorry was set on fire at Disraeli Street

Police officers have been attacked by loyalist petrol bombers during a series of searches in north Belfast.

Bricks and bottles were thrown at fire crews and several vehicles set on fire during violence which erupted in the Woodvale area at about 1200 BST.

The trouble began as police moved in to carry out searches linked to a UVF "show of strength" on Saturday.

Four people were arrested over "serious terrorist activity" at the weekend, and three over the trouble.

Police say they had authorised the use of water cannon and impact rounds to try to stop the trouble, and the Army was also on standby.

Seven vehicles have been hijacked, some of which have been burned out, people have lost their livelihoods Superintendent Gary White

Discussions between the PSNI and community representatives managed to calm the situation before these measures were needed.

The area was quiet on Monday evening, but police maintained a low profile presence. Motorists were advised to avoid the area.

One resident did not defend what happened but accused the police of sparking the violence by using "bully boy tactics" during the searches.

Superintendent Gary White said nothing could justify the attacks which followed.

"Even if police officers were heavy-handed, and I'm not for one second accepting that they were, but even if they were, does that justify three or four hours of rioting, petrol bombing and paint bombing?" he said.

"Seven vehicles have been hijacked, some of which have been burned out, people have lost their livelihoods. I just think it seems to be a convenient excuse."

Up to 100 masked youths were on the street

A soft drinks van was hijacked and set alight in Disraeli Street, while two vans were set on fire in Parkview Terrace.

Violence also flared in Cambrai Street where more than 20 petrol bombs and a host of bottles were thrown at police Land Rovers.

Chief Superintendent Mike Little, district commander for north Belfast said the operation was a "further indication" that "criminal activity will not be tolerated in north Belfast".

He said that police received reports that a number of armed and masked men were present in the Woodvale area on Saturday.

He said they had gathered evidence of criminal activity "and the ongoing policing operation is a direct result of what was recorded".

On Sunday, a juvenile was also arrested after violence involving between 30 and 50 youths at Enfield Street. He was charged with a public order offence.