Up to 11 shots were fired at police officers during what was described as "serious disorder" in East Belfast last night.
Police said the violence was sparked by sectarian clashes at the flashpoint Thistle Court, which separates the loyalist Newtownards Road from the nationalist Short Strand.
A PSNI spokesman said arond 20 petrol bombs were thrown by rioters and police responded by firing several baton rounds.
Police were also attacked with acid bombs, stones and bottles.
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Two unexploded pipe bombs were also discovered and an army technical team was called to the scene.
A Police Land Rover was also destroyed by fire.
The disturbances died down at around 3.00 am and the area is now quiet, he said. There were no reports of injuries.