Third night of unrest in Belfast

At least three police officers and a fire officer have been injured in a third night of unrest in Belfast. The police officers were injured in clashes between Nationalists and Loyalists on the Limestone Road in north Belfast.

Petrol bombs, bricks, bottles and other missiles including fireworks were thrown between the rival groups and at police, according to a Police Service spokesman. He added that two officers are understood to have sustained leg injuries. The other officer suffered head injuries.

In a separate incident, a fireman was injured when he was lured to a fire in the Grosvenor Road area of west Belfast. The fire service was called out to fires started in a disused bungalow in Cullingtree Road.

On each occasion officers were attacked by youths throwing bricks and bottles. Two fire engines have been put out of action.

Earlier, police discovered what they describe as a petrol bomb factory in the Limestone Road area. Three crates were found with 50 primed petrol bombs, along with 300 bottles. One man was arrested for disorderly behaviour.

An SDLP Councillor for north Belfast, Patrick Convery, condemned petrol bomb attacks last night. He said that the attacks in Duncairn Gardens, the Limestone Road and the Whitewell area were being organised with precision.

Attacks took place last night using petrol bombs on the homes of a number of people including elderly persons. "These types of attacks only lead to further attacks and they must stop immediately before more lives are lost in north Belfast", Mr Convery said.

Meanwhile, there was a strong security force presence on the streets of Belfast overnight following renewed disturbances. Thirteen houses were attacked, three police officers were injured, none seriously, and two arrests were made during rioting.

The homes were attacked mainly with petrol bombs and were in the Protestant White City area and also Catholic homes in the Serpentine Gardens area. Windows were broken and a number of cars were damaged.