Violence in Northern Ireland for 3rd day over British flag

BELFAST, Northern Ireland (AP) - Northern Ireland police used water cannons to fend off brick-hurling protesters in Belfast on Saturday as violent demonstrations over flying the British flag stretched into a third straight day.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland said it was investigating reports that a number of shots were fired at police lines. A 38-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, police said.

More than 1,000 demonstrators marched on Belfast's city hall earlier Saturday afternoon amid a heavy police presence. While the rally passed largely without incident, police then came under attack from a mob of more than 100 people hurling bricks and fireworks. Two men were arrested, police said.

Protesters have been out in force - with sometimes violent results - since a Dec 3 decision by Belfast City Council to stop flying the British flag year-round.