Petrol bombs thrown at police after march in Belfast

Police made four arrests during the disorder.

The police said the parade should have vacated Divis Street/Millfield junction by 1.30pm local time, but it did not start until about 2pm.

The parade had originally been granted permission by the Parades Commission to pass through the city centre, but only before 1.30pm.

The republican Anti-Internment League had asked supporters to leave peacefully when the parade ended, but a crowd continued to gather at Oldpark Road in the north of the city hours after they were stopped by officers.

“These determinations have the force of the law and should be upheld at all times”.

“Violence will not be tolerated”, she tweeted, also praising the “professionalism and courage” of the PSNI.

While the controversial policy of terrorist suspects’ detention was abolished in 1975, the parades in its commemoration are held on the annual basis. However, the parade organisers – the Anti-Internment League – allege it is still effectively operated by the state authorities in the present day.

Last year there were minor disturbances at the event while, in 2013, nearly 60 police officers were injured when loyalist protestors rioted in the city centre.

The parade is due to take place in Belfast city centre on Sunday afternoon. “Whenever scenes like this occur, we all suffer in the long-run”.

Three loyalist groups have organised counter-protests.

Following the speeches, organisers announced the parade was over and the bands and marchers dispersed peacefully after 3.20pm.

The PSNI said they had made attempts to talk to the group themselves, but they had not been successful.

Earlier ACC Martin had appealed for calm.

“The aim of the policing operation today was to keep people safe and facilitate the parade and associated protests within the law”.

“There was no trouble as far as the protest went and the Parades Commission determination is being upheld so that is all we are asking for – equal treatment”.

He said he was “again urging the organisers, or a representative speaking on their behalf, to engage with us”.

Meanwhile, two men aged 21 and 24 were arrested for offences related to the supply of petrol bombs.

A 53-year-old man was arrested for common assault and disorderly behaviour in College Square East.