Northern Ireland riots: Police attacked during fresh night of violence in Belfast

Police were attacked with missiles and a car was set on fire during more unrest in Belfast on Friday night — the eighth consecutive night of strife in the city.

PSNI officers urged the public to avoid Tiger Bay, a loyalist area in north Belfast, after reports of disorder.

Some officers came under attack, with missiles such as stones and bottles thrown at them and reports of petrol bombs being used.

PSNI Chief Superintendent Muir Clarke said: "We would appeal for calm in the area and ask anyone who has any influence in communities, please use that influence to ensure young people do not get caught up in criminality and that they are kept safe and away from harm tonight."

There were sporadic incidents elsewhere in Northern Ireland, with reports of a road blocked off with a barricade which was then set alight in Coleraine, Londonderry.

Loyalist leaders had urged the community not to participate in protests on Friday after the death of the Duke of Edinburgh.

Signs posted in Lanark Way, the scene of much of the unrest of recent days, read: "We would ask all PUL (Protestant, Unionist, Loyalist) protests are postponed as a mark of respect to the Queen and the Royal Family.

"The continued opposition to the NI protocol and all other injustices against the PUL community will take place again after the period of mourning."

Meanwhile, two men are due to appear in court on Saturday after being charged in connection with the rioting that took place in Lanark Way, west Belfast on Thursday night.

Detectives investigating the disorder have charged a 24-year-old man and a 32-year-old man with riot.

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