The PSNI has said there is “no doubt” there is a loyalist paramilitary link to violence in Belfast in recent days.

Trouble erupted in the Sandy Row area of south Belfast last night for the second time in 72 hours.

The area, close to the city centre, is one where the Ulster Defence Association has a strong presence and influence.

More than 300 police officers in riot gear and a large number of armoured Land Rovers were deployed in the area last night.

A small crowd of rioters - most of them teenagers - attacked police with petrol bombs, chunks of masonry and other items.

They also again attacked a shop owned by a Syrian family that was virtually destroyed when set on fire on Saturday night following an anti immigration rally in the city centre.

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The senior officer also said there was a degree of orchestration and organisation of last night’s violence.

"I have no doubt there is a paramilitary element to this, but I am not in a position to say that it is this that is the main organiser or orchestrator of these events.

“However, we do keep an open mind to this and this will be part of our investigative strategy.”