Six men charged after Belfast riots

About 1,200 people took part in the protest against a republican parade through central Belfast on Friday

Police have charged six of the seven people arrested during riots in Belfast on Friday evening.

Officers came under sustained attack from protesters in Royal Avenue, as loyalists staged a demonstration against a republican parade.

Fifty-six officers were injured in the riots. Four needed hospital treatment.

Six men aged 19, 23, 28, 35, 37 and 57 have been charged with various offences. A man aged 37 was released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Resisting police

As well as the attacks on police, a number of cars were set on fire and businesses were damaged close to the city's main shopping area.

The 19-year-old has been charged with riotous assembly, while the two men aged 35 and 37 were charged with riotous behaviour, obstructing police and resisting police.

The 28-year-old man has been charged with riotous assembly, obstructing police and resisting police.

All four are expected to appear before Belfast Magistrates' Court on Monday 12 August.

The 57-year-old man has been charged with disorderly behaviour, assault on police and resisting police and is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates' Court on 4 September.

The 23-year-old man has been charged with disorderly behaviour, obstructing police, two counts of resisting police and possessing a class A controlled drug.

He is expected to appear before Belfast Magistrates' Court on 5 September.