PSNI officers under attack amid further flag protests

on 11/01/2013 19:35:18

Police in the North tonight came under attack during disorder in Newtownabbey just north of Belfast.

Officers were pelted with petrol bombs, fireworks and other missiles in the outbreak of trouble at the O'Neill Road roundabout.

A series of roads in Belfast were also closed tonight due to another round of flag protests.

Access to Ravenhill rugby ground in the city was also limited as a result of demonstrations, with thousands of supporters encountering delays as they tried to make their way to Ulster Rugby's crunch Heineken Cup tie with Glasgow.

Routes in Bangor and Newtownards were also blocked by pickets.

There have been 39 days of protests over Belfast City Council's decision to fly the union flag on designated days only.