Violence erupted on the streets of Belfast for the seventh consecutive night as police deployed a water cannon to blast rioters. The unrest, described as the worst in years, showed no sign of calming as PSNI officers were pelted with petrol bombs, fireworks and rocks.
Fifty-five officers have been injured in a week of clashes between nationalists and pro-British loyalists at the so-called 'peace wall' on Springfield Road. Despite cross-party pleas from politicians to stay away, around 100 rioters descended on the area and were met with heavily-clad officers with shields and dogs.
Justice Minister Naomi Long tweeted: 'More attacks on police, this time from nationalist youths. Utterly reckless and depressing to see more violence at interface areas tonight.' She added: 'This needs to stop now before lives are lost.'
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the White House joined calls appealing to the protesters to end the violence, which has involved children as young as 13, purportedly encouraged by their parents.
