NINE PSNI OFFICERS were injured last night as they struggled to contain rioting following the Twelfth of July parades in Belfast.

The biggest disturbances were in the republican Ardoyne area, which had been the focus of tensions in the run-up to the annual marches.

Rioters there threw petrol bombs and other missiles at police lines and hijacked several cars. At least one of the vehicles was set on fire and pushed at police.

PSNI riot officers responded with plastic bullets and water cannon.

The injured officers were taken to hospital for treatment and their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Ten shots were fired at police lines in the Brompton Park area. However, no officers were injured in the gunfire.

The earlier Orange Order parade through the Ardoyne, and ensuing residents’ protest, were said to have gone peacefully. All the parades were over by 9pm. However, disturbances erupted after the marches had finished.

Several people have been arrested, with more expected to be taken into custody in the coming days.

In South and East Belfast, police thanked community leaders for “very positive engagement” during the parades. Five people were arrested for public order and alcohol-related offences.