Fireworks thrown during Belfast demonstrations

Fireworks have been thrown as two demonstrations took place in Belfast city centre.

Anti-immigration and anti-racism protesters had faced off in tense scenes outside the City Hall.

The crowds were shouting chants at each other. Police in riot gear were deployed.

A number of roads into Belfast are closed “due to ongoing protest activity”, police said.

Motorists have been asked to seek an alternative route for their journey.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) says it is “aware of several planned protests across Northern Ireland today and will be in attendance to ensure the safety of everyone involved”.

Anti-immigration protesters made their way through Belfast city centre and towards the Holylands area.

A café on Botanic Avenue was attacked by the crowd as they made their way through south Belfast.

Windows were smashed and furniture broken.

The owner, who has been in Belfast for 35 years, said he had “no words”.

A large police cordon was in place in all roads around the city’s Islamic centre.

Police have started to arrive in numbers.

The protesters threw missiles at members of the media.

A police message warned the crowd to disperse as “force is about to be used”.

On Friday, Church leaders in Northern Ireland had said they were “appalled” by calls for “anti-Islamic” protests this weekend.

A number of social media posts had been shared asking for people to gather and block roads in the greater Belfast area and elsewhere.

The police had said they are aware of the social media posts and were planning a “proportionate policing response”.