Teenager set to face riot charges

Police in riot gear chased youths who had attacked them with scaffolding poles

A 17-year-old boy has been charged with riotous behaviour and is to appear at Belfast Youth Court on Friday.

The charges are connected to violence in the Ardoyne area of north Belfast on Wednesday night.

An 18-year-old man also arrested over the trouble has been released on conditional bail.

Wednesday was the third consecutive night of rioting in the area. About 100 youths gathered at Brompton Park and some threw missiles at the police.

At one point, officers in riot gear chased youths who had attacked them with scaffolding poles.

On Thursday night, Junior Minister Gerry Kelly met with residents at Ardoyne Library to discuss the violence.

Afterwards he said people had voiced their disquiet over the anti-social behaviour but also their continued frustration at Orangemen being allowed to parade through their area.

Meanwhile, a 30-year-old man arrested on Thursday by detectives investigating a shot fired at police during rioting in the area on Monday has been released unconditionally.

A 28-year-old man arrested on Wednesday has also been freed, unconditionally. Supporters of the arrested man staged a peaceful protest outside Antrim Road police station.

On Tuesday night, police were attacked again in Ardoyne by a crowd throwing petrol bombs and other missiles.

The trouble on Tuesday night was described by Sinn Fein as a "continuation" of the previous evening's rioting, which the party blamed on dissident republicans.

On Monday night, the trouble left a total of 21 police officers injured.

Blast bombs, fireworks, stones and other missiles were thrown by republicans during the disturbances.

Officers responded with 18 baton rounds and water cannon.