South Armagh,Protesters were demanding the removal of British Army watchtowers
Four people who were arrested following clashes with the security forces in the Crossmaglen area of South Armagh yesterday have been released on police bail. The four, including two juveniles, were charged with riotous behaviour, and will appear in court later this month.
The PSNI says the violence, involving youths from Ogra Shinn Féin and local protestors in South Armagh, had been clearly orchestrated.
They say the crowd had attempted to break through security fencing at two hilltop watchtowers and later attempted to start a fire in an oil drum filled with petrol at the entrance to Crossmaglen Police Station.
Petrol bombs and other missiles were thrown and three British soldiers were injured, one of whom suffered serious burns. Two police with head injuries were also taken to hospital.
Four people who were returning to Belfast were arrested and have since been released on bail, charged with riotous behaviour. Sinn Féin's Conor Murphy said the protest was intended to be peaceful but criticised security forces, who fired a number of plastic bullets.
A senior police officer defended their response, while the North's Security Minister criticised those behind the protest.
Meanwhile, an eight-year-old girl was injured during disturbances in North Belfast last night. The child was a passenger in a car, which was attacked by rioters on the Whitewell Road shortly before eleven o'clock.
She suffered cuts to her face. Up to 70 people were involved in the violence. One man was arrested.
