A CAtholiC church and nationalist homes at an east Belfast interface were attacked by loyalists last night. two people were arrested for riotous behaviour after bricks, bottles and paint bombs were thrown at St Matthew's Church off the lower Newtownards Road and nationalist homes on Strand Walk. loyalists and nationalists on either side of the Short Strand interface threw missiles at each other and at police lines.
A loyalist band gathered to play songs in front of police.
Some nationalist youths also threw bottles at bandsmen as they paraded past the interface into east Belfast. the lower Newtownards Road was later blocked during a stand-off between police and loyalists. Police moved in to push loyalists up the road, away from the Short Strand, after loyalist rioters let down tyres on PSNi land Rovers. Water cannon were brought in after loyalists threw bricks, bottles and golf balls at police. there were reports that several people, including at least one police officer, were injured during the violence.
A police spokesman urged bystanders at Short Strand and watching separate disorder in north Belfast to disperse.
"there is an element within these crowds that is intent on violence," he said. "Public safety is of paramount importance and individuals that are gathering to watch these events are advised to disperse." Earlier loyalists returning to east Belfast from the main parade blocked Middlepath Street.
n POLICE LINES: At the Short Strand interface, east Belfast, last night
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Aidan O'Reilly