Violence on Belfast's streets for the fifth night in a row
LIVE updates from tonight's riots
Last updated 8th Apr 2021
A hijacked bus has been set ablaze at the junction of Lanark Way and Shankill Road in west Belfast.
Violence has broken out on the peace-line street that links loyalist and nationalist parts of Belfast.
Stones have been launched at police, while a photographer was assaulted from behind.
Petrol bombs have been fired as hundreds gather to engage in disorder, which is said to be because of lost confidence in police.
Riots and attacks on police have taken place repeatedly throughout the last week and have now resumed after a relative lull on Tuesday.
41 police officers have been injured since Friday night.
The Stormont Assembly is set to be recalled on Thursday morning for an emergency debate following days of violence.
There will also be an emergency Executive meeting, according to the Deputy First Minster.
"Those involved in violence, criminal damage, manipulation of our young people and attacks on the police must stop," she said.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has shared his concern over the violence on Belfast's streets over the past week.
"I am deeply concerned by the scenes of violence in Northern Ireland, especially attacks on PSNI who are protecting the public and businesses, attacks on a bus driver and the assault of a journalist."
Translink's CEO Chris Conway said it was lucky that the bus driver was not injured.
“We utterly condemn this attack on our member of staff and our bus.
“Thankfully, all passengers got off the bus safely before the attack occurred. My thoughts are with the driver who is badly shaken but thankfully unhurt, he is being supported by colleagues.
“We are working closely with the PSNI and services have been suspended in this area and in other parts of the city. They will remain withdrawn until it is safe to reinstate them.
“Our staff have been working on the frontline throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to keep essential services operating and to keep communities connected, and this attack is reprehensible.”
The Chief Constable, with whom unionist communities say they have lot trust, said he was open to dialogue.
The DUP leader Arlene Foster has repeatedly called on Simon Byrne to resign.
LIVE Updates from Belfast this evening:
Crowds have gathered at Lanark Way and West Circular Road at its junction with the Springfield Road in west Belfast.
Young people from the Springfield road area of West Belfast clash with police
Police had to close roads as crowds from each divide attacked each other.
Nationalist youths clash with the PSNI
Petrol bombs launched over the peace wall.
Petrol bombs launched over the peace wall.
Embers burn at the peace wall during night of violence.
A firework explodes as Nationalists and Loyalists clash with one another at the peace wall.
Hijacked cars burn at the peace wall on Lanark Way
Nationalist youths clashing with the PSNI close to the peace line.
Nationalists jump to avoid a petrol bomb thrown by Loyalists over the peace wall.
What's left of the hijacked and burnt out bus on the Shankill Road (Thursday 8th April)
General view of a burnt out bus on Belfasts Shankill Road.
Read more:
Bus hijacked and set on fire during Lanark Way protest
Arlene Foster blames "malign and criminal elements'' for whipping up violence and disorder
Nine more officers injured in NI violence