Five officers hurt as marching season violence flares

Five police officers have been injured during violence linked to Northern Ireland's marching season.

A trio came under attack from youths who hurled stones, masonry and six petrol bombs at them in Rasharkin, County Antrim.

Separate disturbances at the nationalist Ardoyne shop front flashpoint in north Belfast saw one police woman hurt and more missiles thrown.

And officers came under further attack with missiles during a security operation in Armagh.

They were dealing with a bomb which exploded in the Friary Road area of the city earlier. Police said four people were arrested for public order offences and minor disturbances with several petrol bombs thrown but no injuries.

There were two cars stolen but police and local representatives are working to restore calm.

A policeman was injured during disturbances in Londonderry linked to a parade there.

There were minor clashes in the Diamond area of the city and police are still dealing with a separate incident at Butcher's Gate.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said officers had arrested one man in connection with the Rasharkin incident.

The three officers were struck by the rubble during the return parade.

Another two police officers suffered non life-threatening injuries during the trouble in Ardoyne and one bullet was fired at police.

They responded with more than a dozen baton rounds and water cannon.

At one stage petrol bombs, fireworks, stones and bottles were being hurled by rioters.

A van was highjacked and pushed at police lines.