POLICE IN NORTHERN IRELAND have said that a number of petrol bombs, fireworks and other missiles were thrown at officers during protests this evening.

The PSNI said it was dealing with disorder at the O’Neill Road roundabout in Newtownabbey, north of Belfast.

Water cannon were deployed to disperse protesters and a number of roads were blocked but have now reopened.

BBC News reports that a plastic bullet was fired by police after they were attacked in Carrickfergus.

Police use water cannon in the Cloughfern area of Newtownabbey to disperse rioters. (Image: Paul Faith/PA Wire)

Loyalist protesters in the Cloughfern area of Newtownabbey. (Image: Paul Faith/PA Wire)

PSNI officers in Newtownabbey. (Image: Paul Faith/PA Wire)

According to RTÉ News, a bus was also set on fire in the Rathcoole area of Newtownberry during tonight’s events.

Protests over Belfast City Council’s decision to restrict the number of days the Union flag flies over its headquarters has brought 39 days of protest to the area.

A protest to the protests has been launched using social media. ‘Operation Sit-In’ has encouraged locals to go out and support local pubs and restaurants.

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