Police came under renewed attack from rioters during sporadic incidents of violence in parts of Belfast last night.
A number of petrol bombs were thrown at police, who responded with water cannon. A number of barricades were built and set alight.
As many as six gunshots were heard during disturbances in Ardoyne as violence also broke out in North Queen Street and the Markets.
A PSNI spokeswoman said high-powered laser pens were used and a number of devices including petrol bombs and a pipe-bomb were thrown at police.
A bus was damaged by stone-throwers in Stewart Street, in east Belfast, and a car was recovered by police as youths tried to hijack it.
The Northern Ireland Policing Board said today 82 officers had been injured over the last 48 hours. On Sunday night three officers suffered pellet wounds during riots in Belfast when they were fired at by a man armed with a shotgun. A total of 55 officers were injured in last night’s rioting alone.
The PSNI spokeswoman said officers were working with community leaders to end the disturbances.
British prime minister David Cameron today paid tribute to the PSNI. "Anyone watching the pictures on our television screens last night could see how brave, how restrained they were in the way they dealt with completely
unacceptable behaviour," he said in the House of Commons in London.
PSNI assistant chief constable Alistair Finlay singled out First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness for criticism. He said they had been silent prior to July 12rg and in the immediate aftermath of the Ardoyne violence.
“We didn’t see joined-up, strategic leadership,” he claimed.
Mr Robinson and Mr McGuinness are due to meet PSNI chiefs today to discuss the violence and Mr Finlay's comments. They issued a joint statement last night in which they condemned the violence and highlighted their efforts to secure a lasting solution to tensions over controversial marches.
“I am disgusted at the outright thuggery and vandalism that has taken place over the course of the last 48 hours," said Mr Robinson. “There is no excuse and no place for violence in civilised society. Both the deputy First Minister and I have been, and will continue, to work for a resolution of the difficulties around parading.”
Mr McGuinness said the best way to deal with any disputes or contention is through dialogue and agreement.
“There are numerous examples that show this to be the way forward," he said. “We are currently consulting on legislation that aims to provide a workable framework for dealing with contentious parades.”
Mr Robinson added: “I am disappointed to hear some of the comments from ACC Finlay and look forward to meeting with the Chief Constable shortly to discuss the events of the last 48 hours and ACC Finlay’s unhelpful and unacceptable remarks.
“We must keep our entire focus on defeating those who would seek through violence and destruction to drag us back.”
The latest outbreak of violence follows sustained rioting over the Twelfth of July period which PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott yesterday said cost millions of pounds.
Mr Baggott accused dissident republicans of fomenting violence in Ardoyne in north Belfast and in other areas on the night of the Twelfth, on which 55 police officers were injured, including a female officer who was struck on the head with a breeze block.
There was also trouble in south and east Belfast, Lurgan and other areas, including Derry. Mr Baggott said some of the Ardoyne rioters were as young as “eight, nine and 10”, and that a “big debate” was required to address how to deal with contentious parades.
PA