DEMOCRATIC Unionist MP Nigel Dodds is said to be recovering well after being knocked unconscious during a riot in north Belfast, his party said last night. Mr Dodds suffered concussion at the junction of Woodvale Road and Woodvale Parade on Friday evening after being hit by a piece of masonry or a brick thrown by loyalists. The North Belfast MP was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital by ambulance. A DUP said last night that Mr Dodds was expected to resume his parliamentary duties soon. "He was released from hospital in the early hours of Saturday morning," the spokesman said. "He is under instruction to stay at home and take it easy. "He is back - not fully operational but he is certainly keeping abreast of things.
"He is keeping an eye on what is going on from home. "He will be back as soon as he possibly can." In April Mr Dodds was taken to hospital after falling ill while in the DUP office in London. Mr Dodds's wife, the MEP Diane Dodds, travelled from Brussels to be with him then.
? BEFORE: North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds on Friday before he was knocked unconscious
PICTURE: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker