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Trouble flares at Belfast protest Trouble flares at Belfast protest
(35 minutes later)
Two police officers have been injured following clashes between loyalists and riot police near Belfast city centre.Two police officers have been injured following clashes between loyalists and riot police near Belfast city centre.
The trouble began when a crowd that was blocking the road attacked a van, after its driver had attempted to drive through a loyalist roadblock. The trouble began when a crowd that was blocking the road attacked a van after its driver had attempted to drive through a loyalist roadblock.
Police said an attempt had been made to hijack the van.
Missiles have been thrown at riot police and police Land Rovers on Donegall Road.Missiles have been thrown at riot police and police Land Rovers on Donegall Road.
At least 10 police Land Rovers are in the area.At least 10 police Land Rovers are in the area.
A stand-off has developed between riot police and loyalist youths. A stand-off has developed between riot police and loyalists.
It is understood water cannon has been used.It is understood water cannon has been used.
Police said they were dealing with "minor disturbances" in the area.Police said they were dealing with "minor disturbances" in the area.
They said a vehicle was driven erratically during the trouble and that the keys of the vehicle were removed by a member of the crowd. Police have responded to reports of a number of vehicles on fire in the Carnmoney Road North area of Newtownabbey, on the outskirts of Belfast, close to council offices at Mossley Mill.
The police have moved the vehicle and the motorist to a safe place.
Earlier, police had warned drivers about traffic disruption due to protests about the change in flag policy at Belfast City Hall.Earlier, police had warned drivers about traffic disruption due to protests about the change in flag policy at Belfast City Hall.
Several small protests are taking place in Belfast, Bangor and Lisburn as well as other areas of Northern Ireland.Several small protests are taking place in Belfast, Bangor and Lisburn as well as other areas of Northern Ireland.
A protest at Alliance party headquarters near Holywood Arches in east Belfast caused traffic delays.A protest at Alliance party headquarters near Holywood Arches in east Belfast caused traffic delays.
Protesters also blocked the road at University Street at the office of MLA Anna Lo.Protesters also blocked the road at University Street at the office of MLA Anna Lo.
A protest at the back of Belfast City Hall on Friday night has also caused traffic disruption.A protest at the back of Belfast City Hall on Friday night has also caused traffic disruption.
AppealAppeal
Earlier on Friday there were protests at Cloughfern Corner at Newtownabbey, Lanark Way in west Belfast and Limestone Road in the north of the city.Earlier on Friday there were protests at Cloughfern Corner at Newtownabbey, Lanark Way in west Belfast and Limestone Road in the north of the city.
Meanwhile police have appealed to loyalists planning to protest in Belfast city centre on Saturday not to do so.Meanwhile police have appealed to loyalists planning to protest in Belfast city centre on Saturday not to do so.
"We would urge those involved in the protests, to which they have a legitimate right, to take a step back and stay out of the city centre tomorrow. The risk to the public safety of all of those involved is simply too great," said Assistant Chief Constable Will Kerr."We would urge those involved in the protests, to which they have a legitimate right, to take a step back and stay out of the city centre tomorrow. The risk to the public safety of all of those involved is simply too great," said Assistant Chief Constable Will Kerr.
Traders are also concerned about the plan to hold a protest on one of the busiest shopping days of the year.Traders are also concerned about the plan to hold a protest on one of the busiest shopping days of the year.
There have been protests since Monday when Belfast City Council voted to fly the union flag on designated days only.There have been protests since Monday when Belfast City Council voted to fly the union flag on designated days only.
Nationalists at Belfast City Council had wanted the union flag taken down altogether, but in the end voted on a compromise from the Alliance party that it would fly on designated days.Nationalists at Belfast City Council had wanted the union flag taken down altogether, but in the end voted on a compromise from the Alliance party that it would fly on designated days.
Unionists have said they consider the change as an attack on their cultural identity.Unionists have said they consider the change as an attack on their cultural identity.