Two shot in night of sectarian rioting

Three people were injured last night during a fourth night of sectarian violence in Belfast. Two men were shot in the back and the foot as rival republican and loyalist gangs clashed near the Short Strand area, while a bus driver was hit later by flying glass when a loyalist gunman attacked his bus.

Up to 1,000 people were involved in fighting in the Short Strand area of east Belfast, a tight-knit Catholic enclave surrounded by populous Protestant areas. At least three people were injured in the district on Sunday night.

With riots also regularly breaking out in north Belfast over the past 12 months, Northern Ireland's acting police chief issued a stark warning that the area was "walking into an abyss". Acting Chief Constable Colin Cramphorn spoke of a "fresh nightmare" and said the use of firearms was an ominous development.

"Not only are police and military colleagues suffering by acting as a buffer between the communities and thereby preserving life, but both communities are suffering," he said. "We have seen pensioners forced out of their homes on both sides, property set on fire and persons shot.

"It is only a question of time before somebody is killed unless steps are taken to de-escalate the situation. They need to stop and realise that the entire community on the island of Ireland, and potentially beyond in Great Britain, will pay a very heavy price if they walk off that abyss."

Mr Cramphorn, who is in charge of security until Hugh Orde takes over as chief constable, said that almost 250 troops due to leave Northern Ireland had been retained. He added that 400 troops and police had been needed to deal with the disturbances.