Loyalist protesters rioted for a fourth night in Northern Ireland over the removal of the Union Jack from Belfast City Hall.

Eight police officers were injured in the riots across the North in clashes with riot police.

The riots began when Belfast City Council voted for flying the Union Jack on only fifteen days a year instead of every day.

A further demonstration is planned for Belfast today at 1 pm at the city center.

Six officers were injured near Crumlin Road in Belfast.

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Will Kerr appealed for calm and for peaceful demonstrations.

“The risk to the public safety of all of those involved is simply too great,” he said.

Police officers were attacked with pelted with stones, bricks, bottles and missiles. A number of cars were also hijacked and set on fire.

Businesses are worried that the riots will affect the busiest trading days of the year.