NI Loyalists, republicans engaged in hand-to-hand fighting

Loyalists and republicans have been involved in hand-to-hand clashes in Northern Ireland capital city of Belfast.

The two groups engaged in hand-to-hand fighting outside Crumlin Road jail in North Belfast after a group of loyalists moved down on the former prison for a protest and republicans arrived for an event inside the building.

According to reports, pro-British loyalists pelted the bus bringing republicans with eggs before clashes broke out in the

Loyalists also turned their anger on the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) who had to escort the republicans in to the prison building. Nationalists arrived at the place as part of a pre-planned tour.

The trouble erupted at around 7.30 pm and there are reports of a man being stabbed near the jail at Clifton Park Avenue. The PSNI, however, have not confirmed the report yet.

Earlier this month, Fifty six police officers were injured during pro-British loyalist riots in Belfast.

The violence flared up as thousands of loyalists protested a republican parade in the Royal Avenue area, close to City Hall.