British flag raised in Belfast for first time since riots

The British flag was hoisted over Belfast's City Hall on Wednesday for the first time since the decision not to fly it permanently sparked riots in Northern Ireland.

Pro-British protesters have taken to the streets almost every night since December 3, when the city council announced it would no longer fly the Union Jack all year round at the City Hall.

Protesters have pelted police in the British province's capital Belfast with petrol bombs, fireworks, bottles and stones.

The flag will now only be hoisted for a maximum of 18 days a year, including on the birthdays of British royals -- the first of which fell on Wednesday as Prince William's wife Catherine turned 31.

The flag's reappearance above the elegant central Belfast building raised fears of more violence as protesters vowed to continue their campaign until it is restored permanently.

AFP