Irish Policemen Shot Ahead of Orange March

Three police officers were shot and injured in overnight riots in Belfast during an annual celebration often marked by violence between Catholics and Protestants.

The disturbances happened near bonfires lit by pro-British Protestant groups each year to burn Irish flags and photos of politicians from Catholic backgrounds who want a united Ireland.

As violence erupted shortly before midnight, crowds of up to 200 people threw gasoline bombs and other objects. Independent police watchdog the Northern Ireland Policing Board said violence was directed at police.
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