Flag protest clashes continue
Loyalists attacked police with petrol bombs in a new outbreak of sporadic trouble in parts east and south Belfast tonight.
One device exploded close to a patrol car parked near the offices of the east Belfast MP Naomi Long, a member of the non-sectarian Alliance Party who has been warned her life is under threat. Two officers inside the car escaped unhurt.
Several roads were blocked at one stage, as part of the continuing protests against a decision by Belfast City Council to restrict the flying of the Union flag at City Hall.
Police were attacked with petrol bombs and fireworks at Broadway, not far from the M1 motorway.
Last week Ms Long was told by police to stay away from her home and her office on the Newtownards Road because of fears for her safety. Constituency offices used by the party were also attacked in Bangor, Co Down, and Carrickfergus, Co Antrim.
There were a number of other protests tonight in regional areas of Northern Ireland, including Limavady, Co Derry, and Ballycastle, Co Antrim, which passed off without any violence.
Northern Ireland First Minster Peter Robinson, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, and Mike Nesbitt, leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, held talks in Belfast today to discuss the trouble on the streets.
Both have been heavily criticised by nationalist representatives over their leadership since councillors in Belfast voted a week ago in favour of only flying the flag on designated days.
They have already called for loyalist restraint, and according to a statement tonight they agreed to work on a “joint basis with a view to urgently bringing forward political proposals to address widespread concerns across the community”.
Another meeting is planned for tomorrow.
