Officers used water cannon and plastic bullets as demonstrations against limiting the flying of the union flag at City Hall turned violent.

Four people have been arrested for riotous behaviour and police say children as young as 10 were involved in last night's unrest.

The trouble started near a nationalist area as loyalists returned home from a peaceful demo against Belfast City council's decision to limit the flying of the union flag at City Hall.

Latest Release from the PSNI

Police can confirm that three police officers were injured and a total of 8 arrests were made in relation to disorder over the Greater Belfast area on the evening of Monday, 7 January.

In East Belfast, missiles ranging from petrol bombs, paint bombs, fireworks and heavy masonry were thrown at police officers and vehicles were attacked with hatchets and sledge hammers. Water cannon was deployed and 5 AEP's were discharged.

A total of 6 arrests, four men and two women, were made during the evening. Two police officers were injured. Police also received a report of an attempted car hi-jacking in the Templemore Avenue area and attempted lorry hi-jacking in the Albertbridge Road area.

In the Dundonald area, missiles such as petrol bombs, paint bombs, fireworks and masonry were thrown at police. A car was set on fire in the Bute Park area. One man was arrested and one police officer was injured.

A 43 year old woman was also arrested in the Yorkgate area for disorderly behaviour. She was later released pending a report to the PPS.

Reporter with the Guardian Newspaper, Henry McDonald, says the North's reputation around the world is being harmed by the violence.