PSNI officers were today investigating a fresh outburst of sectarian violence in Short Strand area of east Belfast.
Rival loyalists and nationalists blamed each other for attacks on homes throughout yesterday evening in Cluan Place and Clandeboye Drive.
Officers were investigating reports of petrol bombs and other missiles being thrown over the wall separating the two communities.
Youths were throwing nuts and bolts at members of the security forces as they arrived at the scene.
Sinn Féin Councillor Mr Joe O'Donnell said several homes in the nationalist Clandeboye Drive were damaged after coming under attack with a barrage of missiles from 6 p.m.
Balloons filled with petrol were also aimed at nationalist houses, the councillor said.
"Two houses were set alight and the fire service have had to tend to them."Mr O'Donnell criticised the security forces' handling of the street violence.
"There is a very simple solution to all this and that is to address the gathering of loyalists in the cul de sac at Cluan Place who flocked to there to start trouble," he said.
"Why they are allowed to gather there is a mystery. It raises questions as to whether the police and army are willing to tackle this or not."
The latest disturbances were condemned by Ulster Unionist councillor Mr Michael Copeland who claimed Loyalist residents living in Cluan Place had come under attack.
The East Belfast UUP Assembly candidate said: "What you have got... is another systematic, unprovoked attack from nationalists with bricks, stones, bottles, glass and petrol bombs being thrown over the fence throughout the evening.
"This is a typical nightly occurrence and as usual, it is followed by propaganda from Sinn Féin.
PA