Belfast Rioters Clash With Police, Burn Bus

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30562, 3 October 1964, Page 13

Belfast Rioters Clash With Police, Burn Bus

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter —Copyright)

BELFAST, October 2.

A trolley bus was set on fire and petrol bombs were thrown at police armoured vehicles in renewed clashes between police and Irish Republican supporters in Belfast late last night.

Police made a number of baton charges. Several policemen were injured, one very seriously.

The trouble began yesterday afternoon when police removed an Irish tricolour from the window of the Republican Party election headquarters. -

After clearing the street, they smashed the window and pulled the flag through. As they turned to. leave, people followed them and kicked at them. Last night another tricolour was placed in the window by two Republican candidates, Mr Liam McMillan and Mr Bob MeKnight. This time, police had to use a pick-axe and crowbar to force their way into the building. Crowds remained outside singing Republican songs and gathered in nearby side streets after police had moved them on. Stones and bottles were thrown at police who made baton charges in an effort to clear the streets. One petrol bomb exploded under a police armoured car, forcing the occupants to jump clear. Police were attacked

with a variety of weapons, including pieces of grating torn from the roadway. Display of the Irish tricolour has been banned by Northern Ireland’s Minister of Home Affairs. The Republican Party wants union of Northern Ireland, now a part of the United Kingdom, with the neighbouring Irish Republic. It has announced its intention to contest in the British General Election eight of the 12 Northern Ireland constituencies represented at Westminster. Belfast police said early today that 15 policemen were treated in hospital, and four were detained with head and facial injuries. The statement said 15 people had been arrested. All was now quiet in the city.