Police have left the scene of an anti-internment bonfire in the New Lodge in North Belfast.
They were attacked after moving in to support contractors attempting to remove the bonfire.
Fireworks and bricks were thrown, and one officer appeared to have been knocked to the ground.
It was due to be lit on Thursday night to mark the anniversary of the introduction of internment – however contractors had been ordered to remove the wooden pallets.
Sinn Fein North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly said the police have confirmed that they have pulled out of the area on the basis that there was a substantial danger to life.
“Emergency services have been activated and the statutory agencies have warned that this bonfire presents a threat to the nearby tower blocks. The Housing Executive are now intervening to advise residents of possible evacuation measures. This is a disgraceful situation because residents include people who are already vulnerable, some of whom have disabilities and other health related problems,” he said.
And he said the vast majority of the community do not want this bonfire.
“It has been built by anti-social elements, who torture this district throughout the year and many of whom are well known,” he added.
Exceptional scenes in north #Belfast as two youths protesting on top of New Lodge bonfire order themselves a Deliveroo – who was then turned away by police ?
(Pics via @NorthBelfastNew) pic.twitter.com/vSuYDnfzer
— Laurie Hanna (@LaurieHanna) August 8, 2019
This type of disorder solves nothing. Once again our @PoliceServiceNI officers are caught in the middle and are paying the price by being attacked. No excuses whatsoever for such rioting. #weareyou #bonfire #newlodge @ChiefConPSNI @NIPolicingBoard @DepChiefConPSNI @damien_edgar7 https://t.co/zwzTbgvXbt
— PFNI (@PoliceFedforNI) August 8, 2019