16 July 2011 Last updated at 07:26 ET 
Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play.
Sinn Fein's John O'Dowd said there was 'no excuse' for the violence
Three people have been arrested in violence at a sectarian flashpoint in Portadown, County Armagh, on Friday evening, police have said.
A crowd of about 70 - 100 loyalists threw 12 to 15 petrol bombs as well as bricks, fireworks and bottles in the Corcrain Road and Charles Street areas overnight.
The rioters attacked police land rovers with sledgehammers.
Police fired 19 plastic baton rounds.
Police Superintendent Jason Murphy said: "We should be very clear in our condemnation of the rioting and the serious violence that we saw last night.
"We should also outline that the only people who suffer here are the unionist community in Corcrain and the nationalist community in Obin Street."
Local people said the violence flared after loyalist flags were removed close to a peace line.
Police said a planned peaceful protest had been hijacked by a minority.
Mayor of Craigavon Councillor Alan Carson condemned the violence and appealed for calm.
"This does not do anyone any good," he said.
"People have a right to live peacefully and feel safe in their own homes. The violence we witnessed last night was something that we had hoped we had assigned to the history books.
"I would appeal to those members of the community to respect the law and not to take their frustrations out on innocent members of the public."
John O'Dowd, Sinn Fein, said a number of foreign national families fled their homes in the trouble.
"They packed their bags, so distressed were they at the violence," he said.
"Their neighbours tried to reassure people that they would be safe in their homes but they left."
Alliance councillor Sheila McQuaid said: "I am disgusted at the activities of those involved in this disorder. I would appeal for people to act responsibly.
"This type of incident is deeply damaging and we need to ensure stability to help us grow our economy.
On Wednesday, 26 people were arrested during rioting in nationalist areas of north and south Belfast and Londonderry following the 12 July Orange Order parades.
On Monday night, 22 police officers were injured during rioting in several nationalist areas of west and north Belfast.
The violence happened during the height of the traditional marching season.
Article Source KBG Test Blog (http://rc.kbg.me)
