'Shots fired' at police during fresh clashes over flag row in Northern Ireland

Police in Northern Ireland arrested a 38-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder on Saturday after reports that shots were fired at officers during fresh rioting in Belfast.

Police deployed water cannon and fired baton rounds in the third consecutive night of violence in the east of the city, facing off against more than 100 people throwing fireworks, bricks and other masonry, a spokesman said.

The rioting followed a largely peaceful demonstration by more than 1,000 people outside Belfast city hall against the city council’s decision last month to limit the days it flies the British flag each year.

The December 3 ruling was viewed by pro-British groups as a concession too far to republicans who want Northern Ireland to be part of Ireland and sparked weeks of street violence.

Several people were arrested for public order offences during Saturday’s disturbances, police said, and at least one officer was injured.

“Police are also investigating reports that a number of shots have been fired at police lines on the Newtownards road (in traditionally pro-British east Belfast),” a spokesman said.

“A 38-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.”