Petrol bombs were thrown at police in Belfast in the aftermath of the July 12 marches of the Orange Order.

The PSNI used water cannons on rioters in the Catholic Ardoyne area in north Belfast on Thursday, the BBC reports.

On Thursday afternoon, the Orange Order parade had passed "peacefully" and "in accordance with the Parades Commission determination" police reported. The July 12 celebrations mark William of Orange's victory over the Roman Catholic King James at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.

Representatives from the three lodges and a band were accompanied by riot police with batons, shields, and helmets, during the march through the nationalist area of the city. Around 200 residents lined the streets of the neighborhood in protest against the parade.

Later a standoff between nationalists and PSNI officers ensued as rioters threw petrol bombs and pushed a burning vehicle towards police lines in the aftermath of the parade.

On Thursday morning, the PSNI reported some minor instances but overall said the celebrations marking the eve of the Twelfth passed off peacefully.

Northern Ireland Justice Minister David Ford appealed to public representatives to use their influence to keep the peace.

He said, "It is evident that a small number of recent decisions by the Parades Commission have caused considerable concern.

"However, the decisions of the statutory body stand and should be complied with. Society cannot opt out of complying with the law."