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14/01/2013
Flag Protesters Defy Designated Route
The PSNI has confirmed that violence over the union flag at the weekend began when a large proportion of flag protesters broke away from an agreed designated route.
About 500 people had gathered outside Belfast City Hall on Saturday to protest at Belfast City Council’s decision to restrict the flying of the union flag.
The PSNI said that, during the period leading up to Saturday’s protest, it had undertaken engagement with community representatives to avoid another night of rioting.
A statement from the PSNI said: "Through a series of meetings organised with the aim of minimising risk to both protestors and interface residents and minimising disruption to traffic, police made all parties aware that any movement of people out of the city would be via a preferred route, namely the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge and Middlepath Street, thereby bypassing part of the Short Strand.
"Protesters outside City Hall were advised by police that this was the direction of travel for any people returning to the east of the city. The body of protesters moved down Victoria Street and attempted to cross the Queen’s Bridge which had been closed by police.
"Marshalls were engaging with police at the police line on Queen’s Bridge when the vast majority of the crowd broke away and ran down Oxford Street splitting at Lanyon Place."
According to the PSNI, a group of protesters ran along the Laganbank Road while others ran along East Bridge Street. Many of the protesters put on masks and covered their faces.
What followed was an assault on police officers, who were bombarded with bricks, stones and missiles.
The protesters then approached the nationalist Short Strand area, resulting in violent clashes between rival factions.
A number of properties in the area were damaged.
Chief Constable Matt Baggott said: "This was a difficult operation dealing with a large number of people determined to cause disorder and violence. My colleagues brought the situation under control with exceptional courage and professionalism. I know the vast majority of people will be grateful for their efforts.
"Police will continue to engage with all those committed to finding a solution to these issues."
(IT/GK)
About 500 people had gathered outside Belfast City Hall on Saturday to protest at Belfast City Council’s decision to restrict the flying of the union flag.
The PSNI said that, during the period leading up to Saturday’s protest, it had undertaken engagement with community representatives to avoid another night of rioting.
A statement from the PSNI said: "Through a series of meetings organised with the aim of minimising risk to both protestors and interface residents and minimising disruption to traffic, police made all parties aware that any movement of people out of the city would be via a preferred route, namely the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge and Middlepath Street, thereby bypassing part of the Short Strand.
"Protesters outside City Hall were advised by police that this was the direction of travel for any people returning to the east of the city. The body of protesters moved down Victoria Street and attempted to cross the Queen’s Bridge which had been closed by police.
"Marshalls were engaging with police at the police line on Queen’s Bridge when the vast majority of the crowd broke away and ran down Oxford Street splitting at Lanyon Place."
According to the PSNI, a group of protesters ran along the Laganbank Road while others ran along East Bridge Street. Many of the protesters put on masks and covered their faces.
What followed was an assault on police officers, who were bombarded with bricks, stones and missiles.
The protesters then approached the nationalist Short Strand area, resulting in violent clashes between rival factions.
A number of properties in the area were damaged.
Chief Constable Matt Baggott said: "This was a difficult operation dealing with a large number of people determined to cause disorder and violence. My colleagues brought the situation under control with exceptional courage and professionalism. I know the vast majority of people will be grateful for their efforts.
"Police will continue to engage with all those committed to finding a solution to these issues."
(IT/GK)
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