15 Cops Hurt As Riots Rage

13-year-old arrested after loyalists battle police

- Ryan Smith

Children as young as 13 and 14 were among those arrested at a riot in Belfast on Friday night.

Police said 15 officers were injured after a loyalist protest exploded into violence in Sandy Row.

Belfast District Commander Chief Superintendent Simon Walls said police were called out in the south of the city when “a small local protest quickly developed into an attack on police officers”.

He added: “A total of 15 officers were injured after being subjected to a sustained attack by rioters who threw a number of objects at police, including heavy masonry, metal rods, fireworks and manhole covers.