Water cannon fired as crowds face off against police near Belfast
Clashes erupted in Belfast as around 200 protesters threw objects at police vehicles, prompting the deployment of a water cannon near Sandyknowes. Meanwhile, smaller protests in Coleraine and Stormont remained mostly peaceful, with one attendee dismissing the Stormont gathering as a 'scam' due to low turnout.
Protests in Northern Ireland escalated on Thursday night, with around 200 people gathering near Sandyknowes, just outside Belfast. Clashes broke out as demonstrators threw bricks and other objects at a line of PSNI Land Rovers, forcing police to deploy a water cannon to disperse the crowd. Elsewhere, approximately 100 individuals gathered near housing close to Ulster University in Coleraine but dispersed without incident. At Stormont, around 140 protesters attended, though one participant described the turnout as insufficient, calling it 'a scam.' Police reported no major disturbances in Newtownards Road, where tensions had flared the previous night. The situation remains calm in areas not directly involved in the clashes, though authorities are monitoring developments closely. The protests appear linked to broader unrest in Northern Ireland, with police maintaining a visible presence to prevent further escalation. Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the demonstrations but are investigating the incidents. Neighboring areas remain on high alert, with additional officers deployed to ensure public safety. Residents and businesses near the protest zones have been advised to stay indoors and avoid the affected areas. The situation is still evolving, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Police have urged protesters to avoid confrontation and cooperate with officers to de-escalate tensions.
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