A homecoming parade for soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan has taken place in Belfast.
A homecoming parade for soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan has passed off peacefully in Belfast.
Thousands of people, many waving Union flags, cheered as the parade made its way past city hall.
Thousands of people, many waving Union flags, cheered as the parade made its through the city centre.
About 250 members of the armed forces took part, including soldiers from the Royal Irish Regiment, Irish Guards, Royal Dragoon Guards and the TA.
Police have estimated that there were around 30,000 people at the event, either supporting or protesting against.
A number of protest events were held in different parts of the city as the parade took place.
Assistant Chief Constable Alistair Finlay said there has been just one arrest - a 16 year old youth.
However, ACC Finlay said officers were "continuing to look at video evidence".
About 250 members of the armed forces took part in the main parade, including soldiers from the Royal Irish Regiment, Irish Guards, Royal Dragoon Guards and the Territorial Army.
A number of protest events were held in different parts of the city.
There were brief skirmishes and a number of bottles were thrown, however, police moved in to restore calm.
There were brief skirmishes, however, police moved in to restore calm.
Assistant chief constable Alistair Finlay said the police "acknowledged the significant effort, in conjunction with parade and protest organisers and political and community representatives, that has gone into the planning of today's events."
Assistant chief constable Alistair Finlay said the police "acknowledged the significant effort, in conjunction with parade and protest organisers and political and community representatives, that has gone into the planning of today's events."
There were a number of minor incidents but no arrests.
A car windscreen was damaged by a firework on the Westlink. Fireworks were also thrown in Royal Avenue and York Street and stones were thrown by youths at the bottom of Divis Street, close to the Falls Road.
A car windscreen was damaged by a firework on the Westlink. Fireworks were also thrown in Royal Avenue and York Street and stones were thrown by youths at the bottom of Divis Street, close to the Falls Road.
A police officer was hit with a can in Fisherwick Place.
A police officer was hit with a can in Fisherwick Place. Mark Thompson from Relatives for Justice, which held a protest, claimed families were targeted by loyalists throwing bottles.
Police stopped a separate dissident republican counter parade from marching into the centre of Belfast at the bottom of the Falls Road. They dispersed after a number of speeches were made.
Police stopped a separate dissident republican counter parade from marching into the centre of Belfast at the bottom of the Falls Road. They dispersed after a number of speeches were made.
Earlier, several thousand people walked down the Shankill Road with banners welcoming the soldiers.
Several thousand people walked down the Shankill Road with banners welcoming the soldiers.
But unionists said the Army had every right to walk the streets of Belfast. They said that the changes made to the parade meant troops in Northern Ireland would receive a different welcome home than soldiers elsewhere in the UK.
But unionists said the Army had every right to walk the streets of Belfast. They said that the changes made to the parade meant troops in Northern Ireland would receive a different welcome home than soldiers elsewhere in the UK.
Major General Chris Brown, the General Officer Commanding in Northern Ireland, said the parade was a "fitting tribute".
Major General Chris Brown, the General Officer Commanding in Northern Ireland, said the parade was a "fitting tribute".
"It's been an entirely appropriate welcome home for the troops after an arduous tour in Afghanistan and, for some of them, in Iraq," he said.
"It's been an entirely appropriate welcome home for the troops after an arduous tour in Afghanistan and, for some of them, in Iraq," he said.
"Thanks very much to the efforts of Belfast city council and also, what a turn out from the city of Belfast, and thanks to all the support that we had to do this."
"Thanks very much to the efforts of Belfast city council and also, what a turn out from the city of Belfast, and thanks to all the support that we had to do this."
How do you feel about the parade? Did you support a homecoming celebration or do you think it is divisive and should not have taken place?
How do you feel about the parade? Did you support a homecoming celebration or do you think it is divisive and should not have taken place?
Send your comments using the post form below, or text 61124.
Send your comments using the post form below, or text 61124.
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