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Union flag protests: Police attacked and traffic disrupted Union flag protests: Police attacked and traffic disrupted
(35 minutes later)
Police have fired five plastic bullets during violence linked to union flag protests in Northern Ireland. Four police officers have been injured during violence linked to union flag protests in Northern Ireland.
More than 30 petrol bombs have been thrown at them during the trouble. Police fired five plastic bullets as rioters threw over 30 petrol bombs.
A crowd of over 100 loyalists threw missiles at police in Carrickfergus, County Antrim, while fireworks, petrol bombs and rocks were used in the Cloughfern area of Newtownabbey. A crowd of over 100 loyalists threw missiles at police in Carrickfergus, County Antrim, while fireworks, petrol bombs and rocks were used in the O'Neill's Road area of Newtownabbey.
Meanwhile, a pipe bomb was found after a security alert on the Westlink - one of Belfast's busiest roads. Meanwhile, a pipe bomb was found after a security alert on the Westlink, Belfast's busiest road.
It was closed in both directions between York Street and Broadway during the alert which is now over.It was closed in both directions between York Street and Broadway during the alert which is now over.
The violence came as union flag protests again caused traffic disruption in Northern Ireland.The violence came as union flag protests again caused traffic disruption in Northern Ireland.
They began in some areas at 15:00 GMT and took place in Counties Antrim, Armagh, Down, and Londonderry. One of the injured police officers required hospital treatment. Two arrests have been made so far.
A spokesman said police "will continue to pursue a vigorous evidence gathering operation to bring those involved in the violence to justice".
The protests - most of which were peaceful - began in some areas at 15:00 GMT and took place in Counties Antrim, Armagh, Down, and Londonderry.
Many arterial routes in Belfast were blocked by loyalist protesters angry at the decision of Belfast City Council to restrict the flying of the union flag from Belfast City Hall.Many arterial routes in Belfast were blocked by loyalist protesters angry at the decision of Belfast City Council to restrict the flying of the union flag from Belfast City Hall.
All roads are now open again.
A bus was set alight near the Rathcoole estate in Newtownabbey.A bus was set alight near the Rathcoole estate in Newtownabbey.
So far there have been no reports of violence in Belfast. There have been no reports of violence in Belfast itself.
Police used water cannon on the Shore Road in Whiteabbey and it was also deployed in Newtownabbey.Police used water cannon on the Shore Road in Whiteabbey and it was also deployed in Newtownabbey.
A police Land Rover with a CCTV camera on the roof was set alight with a petrol bomb in Newtownabbey.A police Land Rover with a CCTV camera on the roof was set alight with a petrol bomb in Newtownabbey.
In Dunmurry, Creighton's Road is closed at the junction of the Stewartstown Road and Old Golf Course Road because of another security alert.In Dunmurry, Creighton's Road is closed at the junction of the Stewartstown Road and Old Golf Course Road because of another security alert.
There have been 39 days of protests over Belfast City Council's decision to fly the flag on designated days only.There have been 39 days of protests over Belfast City Council's decision to fly the flag on designated days only.
Translink withdrew all its bus serivces in Belfast, apart from Falls Road services and buses to Belfast International Airport. Translink withdrew all its bus services in Belfast, apart from Falls Road services and buses to Belfast International Airport.
Thousands of Ulster rugby supporters encountered delays getting to Ravenhill stadium in east Belfast for the Heineken Cup pool match between Ulster and Glasgow.Thousands of Ulster rugby supporters encountered delays getting to Ravenhill stadium in east Belfast for the Heineken Cup pool match between Ulster and Glasgow.
There were also protests in Glasgow and in Liverpool at 18:00 GMT on Friday.There were also protests in Glasgow and in Liverpool at 18:00 GMT on Friday.
Operation Sit InOperation Sit In
Meanwhile, people used social media to initiate Operation Sit In - a counter to the protests that has encouraged people to come out regardless and support their local pubs or restaurants.Meanwhile, people used social media to initiate Operation Sit In - a counter to the protests that has encouraged people to come out regardless and support their local pubs or restaurants.
Stephen Magorrian, the managing director of Botanic Inns, said people could have a great night out in the city centre.Stephen Magorrian, the managing director of Botanic Inns, said people could have a great night out in the city centre.
"There is great entertainment, so stay in the city. We need the support."There is great entertainment, so stay in the city. We need the support.
"Things are still going and we have some of the best restaurants and bars, but if we don't support them we will lose them.""Things are still going and we have some of the best restaurants and bars, but if we don't support them we will lose them."
Are you involved in the protests? Have you been affected by the violence? You can send us your experiences using the form below.Are you involved in the protests? Have you been affected by the violence? You can send us your experiences using the form below.