A car and a minibus were set alight in Monday's disturbances in the mainly Protestant Sandy Row area.

They are still blocking a road.

After army vehicles and soldiers with riot shields moved in to clear the area, police vehicles travelling at speed drove along the road and pavement to disperse onlookers.

About 75 people attacked the security forces

The security forces were attacked by a crowd of about 75 loyalists who threw bricks, bottles, petrol bombs and blast bombs.

There were also reports of shots being fired.

The police fired several plastic baton rounds and two people were arrested.

It was the second successive night of trouble in the area - four police officers were wounded during clashes in the early hours of Sunday.

Four men have been charged in connection with trouble near Belfast city centre on Sunday.

Fire engine

Four policemen were injured in violence on Sunday which, the police said, involved up to 60 people.

The trouble erupted in Bradbury Place and Sandy Row at about 0200 BST on Sunday and lasted for more than an hour.

There is no excuse for violence - if problems are to be solved it has got to be done by talking

Bob Stoker Former lord mayor

A shop front was damaged after three cars were set on fire.

The police and fire officers were attacked by stone throwers and crews had to withdraw. A fire engine was damaged.

One police officer was detained in hospital with head injuries.

Two men have been charged with riotous behaviour, two others with disorderly behaviour.

The disturbances were condemned by south Belfast SDLP assembly member Alasdair McDonnell.

Former Belfast lord mayor Bob Stoker said it was important to find out why the violence happened.

"This must be condemned by everyone," he said.

"There is no excuse for violence. If problems are to be solved it has got to be done by talking.

"We have to get to the bottom of why this started first of all and I think we will be calling upon the community to sit and talk to the police to find out why."