The findings, published on Tuesday, said more than 110 officers were hurt in disturbances in north Belfast and in County Armagh.

In all the instances the use of baton rounds were fully justified

Police Ombudsman

Northern Ireland's Police Ombudsman, Nuala O'Loan, investigated the firing of 36 baton rounds during seven separate riots.

She also said that in one case there were grounds for suggesting that the rounds should have been fired earlier.

The report, which has now been passed to the secretary of state, said during one outbreak of violence near the Holy Cross girls' primary school in north Belfast there was evidence a crowd was directed by men using walkie-talkie radios and whistles.

"In all the instances the use of baton rounds were fully justified," said the ombudsman.

"Indeed, the police frequently acted with considerable restraint.

"In one instance there are grounds for suggesting that baton rounds should have been introduced even earlier than they were."

Public order

Welcoming the report, Secretary of State John Reid said: "It is those who cause riots and direct potentially murderous attacks on the security forces and others who are responsible for the need for baton rounds to be used to protect life.

"I welcome the findings in this report that in each of the cases investigated, the use of the rounds was fully justified and proportionate, as were the authorisation and directions given."

He added: "We are continuing the search for a safer alternative and the government would be delighted if the public order situation improved sufficiently to remove the need to resort to baton rounds at all."

Obviously everyone in the community would much prefer to be in a position where the police do not have to resort to such measures

Desmond Rea Policing Board Chairman

A spokesman for the United Campaign Against Plastic Bullets said the report "lacked any real investigative procedures and was merely perfunctory".

"There is a real danger that this report may be used, or be interpreted by some to justify the ongoing use of plastic bullets," said the group in a statement.

"Such attempts or spin must be challenged."

The chairman of the Policing Board welcomed the report.

'Duty of care'

Professor Desmond Rea said: "We are pleased that in each incident the stringent procedures for discharging baton rounds were rigidly followed.

"This is an important issue for the Policing Board and, at the April meeting, members received a comprehensive presentation on baton rounds and the alternatives which are being researched."

He added: "Obviously everyone in the community would much prefer to be in a position where the police do not have to resort to such measures but there is a duty of care to police officers as well as members of the public."