The police are investigating the incident

The violence erupted after a crowd of 30 people gathered in the Evelyn Avenue area at about 2200 BST on Wednesday.

A house was attacked with stones, windows were broken and a car was damaged.

Police are investigating reports that a number of shots were fired into the crowd.

Security forces cordoned off the area and a handgun was recovered after a house was searched.

Two houses in Bloomfield Court and Bloomfield Parade were also stoned.

Up to three cars were also set alight at Station Road off the old Holywood Road.

The Twelfth of July is the climax of the marching season

It is the second night of disturbances in the area. Trouble broke out on Tuesday night close to a bonfire in Evelyn Avenue.

Ulster Unionist Councillor for the area Jim Rodgers said he was concerned the trouble could spill over to the weekend.

The Protestant Orange Order celebrates the biggest day in its marching calendar on 12 July with parades throughout Northern Ireland to commemorate the 1690 Battle of the Boyne.

Mr Rodgers said he would be meeting senior police officers later on Thursday to discuss security arrangements for the parades.

"I'll be accompanying members of the Orange Institution to meet senior police officers at Satrandtown Police Station to discuss the forthcoming commemoration of the Battle of the Boyne on Saturday and previous loyalist parades," he said.

"It's my intention to speak to police chiefs about the situation and urge them to step up security in the area."