Police and community representatives are appealing for calm after trouble in west and north Belfast. An investigation is under way into the possibility that shots were fired in west Belfast during the trouble. Petrol bombs and other missiles have been thrown at police during rioting in the Ardoyne area of north Belfast. The trouble broke out after police in riot gear took up position ahead of an Orange parade walking past the Ardoyne shops on Tuesday evening. Stones, bottles and fireworks were thrown at police. Water cannon was used to push back the crowd of about 200 people. Community worker Robert McClenaghan, from the Falls Residents Association, said the violence was organised by nationalist youths. Crowds of nationalists threw petrol bombs and masonry at police who fired plastic bullets in the Broadway and Oldpark areas. Mr McClenaghan said the violence was ‘nothing but thuggery’.

Pray: against this annual violence and pray for a cessation of hostilities and reconciliation. (2Co.5:19)

More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-14128807