Hundreds of Protestant loyalist protesters have clashed with riot police in Belfast as they tried to block a Republican parade from passing through the city. Police say 26 officers were injured, five needing hospital treatment. The Republican march was held to mark the introduction of internment without trial by the British in 1971. The disorder began in the Royal Avenue shopping district. As the parade approached from north Belfast, unrest spread as loyalist Protestants and Republicans clashed near the Protestant Shankhill road area. The Republican parade was then redirected through the city centre and out to West Belfast. It was the second night of violence in the city.