Irish Riot After Flag Removed

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30561, 2 October 1964, Page 13

Irish Riot After Flag Removed

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright)

LONDON, October 1. Belfast police with drawn batons twice charged a crowd of almost 1000 people who had been pelting them with bottles, stones and garbage during demonstrations last night and early today. “The Times” reported.

The demonstrators were protesting against the removal of an Eire tricolour flag from the Republican Party’s election headquarters in Davis street. During the clashes many of the demonstrators were struck by missiles and ambulances took a number of casualties to hospital Night Of Tension The disturbances came as the climax to a night of tension in the area and shortly before 10 o’clock the crowd had swollen to unmanageable proportions. The trouble began when police, attempting to clear away, came under a shower of bottles. Their patrol car was subjected to a barrage and reinforcements were called. Soon after midnight the police were leaving the area when they again came under

,a hail of missiles. Drawing I their batons they charged into !the crowd, which scattered On Monday the police had ’ forced their way into the party I headquarters to remove the tricolour. On Tuesday night there were demonstrations by both pro-Republicans and Protestants, but there were no serious incidents Last night the incidents began when the Republicans were demonstrating against the removal of the flag. They have threatened to replace it today. In the past the police have not interfered with the Eire tricolour in a nationalist area, “The Times” said. Republicans are contesting all 12 Northern Ireland seats in the General Election. If any of their candidates is elected he would not take his seat at Westminster.