The Police Ombudsman is to investigate police action during recent disturbances in east Belfast.

It follows a High Court action alleging the Ombudsman's office failed to investigate a complaint against a police inspector.

The complaint was made by the mother of a sick child who said she was denied access to a doctor's surgery by a loyalist crowd in the Short Strand area.

Nuala O'Loan: Police Ombudsman

Kelly Ann Johnston of Strand Walk had sought a judicial review aimed at securing a court order directing the Ombudsman to investigate her complaint against the police inspector.

The Ombudsman's office has now decided to carry out an investigation.

A spokesman for the Ombudsman confirmed that an investigation is to take place and added: "The judicial review proceedings were initiated before a decision whether to investigate had been taken."

In June, Acting Chief Constable Colin Cramphorn described recent trouble in east Belfast as among the worst witnessed in the last four years.

There has been sectarian violence in the east of the city in recent months.

The police believe loyalist and republican paramilitaries were behind much of the violence.

Many people were forced to move from their homes following the disturbances.