See the clashes

The disturbances erupted out of widespread loyalist protests over a disputed Orange Order parade in Belfast. Hundreds were involved.

Mr Woodward praised the police for their handling of the situation.

"There can be no justification whatsoever for the disgraceful violence and disorder we have seen," he said.

"The attacks on both police and soldiers, some of whom have been seriously injured, are to be utterly condemned.

"In protecting the community from violence they have paid a heavy price."

Mr Woodward praised the police for their handling of the situation

SDLP deputy leader Alasdair McDonnell said what happened was seriously damaging to the political process.

"The Orange Order must stand up today and tell the truth about its involvement in spurring up tensions and encouraging scenes of devastation," he said.

"The Orange Order continues to claim to be against terrorism yet they don't hesitate to associate with murderous paramilitaries when and where it suits them."

DUP leader Ian Paisley criticised the Parades Commission for what he said was its refusal to consider other proposals about the march from himself and Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey.

"The Parades Commission are to blame for the mess that has been created," he said.

"The commission treated elected representatives with contempt by its refusal to even call us to put our case. We were refused the opportunity to give greater detail."

While I'm always sympathetic to police, I am shocked at some of tactics being used Sir Reg Empey UUP leader

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams said responsibility for the violence lay with comments made by the unionist leaders.

"Thus far, due to the discipline of nationalists and republicans, things have remained fairly calm," he said.

"However, there is a concerted attempt under way to draw young nationalists and republicans into conflict at interface areas across Belfast."

Sir Reg denied making any statements which he said could be construed as encouraging disorder.

He condemned the trouble, but also criticised some of the police tactics.

"While I'm always sympathetic to police, I am shocked at some of the tactics being used," he said.

"I have personally witnessed women, who had been trying to prevent stoning, being pushed to the ground for no justifiable reason."

Dr Harry Uprichard was "appalled by the widespread rioting"

Presbyterian Moderator Dr Harry Uprichard said he was "appalled by the widespread rioting that has spread across Belfast and beyond and shocked by its violence and ferocity".

"Anyone with influence should use it to diffuse tension and do all they can to return calm to our communities.

"All involved should use only peaceful and lawful methods to create a climate in which the many concerns and worries about freedom to express culture, to achieve justice and equality and about human rights can be dealt with constructively."

Catholic Archbishop of Armagh Sean Brady said he was very distressed to hear of the rioting and urged community leaders to restore calm.

"The safety of people and the security of their property is being severely threatened. I hope that calm will be restored to these communities by community leaders engaging in constructive talks."