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Riots will harm tourism warn traders

TRADERS have warned that the latest violence in the heart of central Belfast's shopping and eatery district will affect tourism.

Bars were damaged and many shops and pubs were forced to close early as trouble erupted early on Friday evening.

CastleCourt shopping centre was among the premises that shut early as a sea of people poured onto Royal Avenue.

The Hudson Bar on Gresham Street, close to where the angry loyalists crowds had gathered, was among the bars which were attacked.

Windows were smashed and beer kegs stolen to be used as weapons as the trouble unfurled.

A spokesman for the bar said it had been forced to shut early because the premises had been "attacked, had windows broken and our customers intimidated".

Customers at the Sunflower Bar on Union Street were terrified after the pub was attacked.

They were locked inside as a loyalist crowd battered the windows.

Customers at the Mourne Sea Food Bar were also unable to the leave the restaurant as a massive security operation unfolded outside.

The Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association described the rioting as "disgraceful".

Chief executive Glyn Roberts said: "The rioting in Belfast city centre was an utter disgrace, once again dragging the city into appallingly bad headlines and damaging its good reputation across the world.

"City centre traders had been enjoying a much needed bounce in trade from the World Police and Fire Games.

"It was shameful that many traders had little choice but to close early.

"With many participants in the Games actually watching these riots, what picture will they paint of Belfast when they return home?"

The latest wave of violence comes just months after the city had struggled from lost trade linked to disruption caused by the Union flag protests.

Many retailers battled to keep afloat amid street protests following the removal of the flag from Belfast City hall last December.

A massive publicity campaign entitled Backin' Belfast encouraged people to come back into the city and support its pubs and restaurants.