10 Police Hurt in N. Ireland Sectarian Scuffles

Ten Northern Irish police officers were injured on Sunday, three of them hospitalized, when violence flared ahead of a republican parade close to central Belfast, police said.

Pro-British protestors attempted to disrupt the planned march and police were pelted with bricks, stones and golf balls, according to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

"Police continue to deal with disorder in the Carlisle Circus, Antrim Road and Clifton Street areas of North Belfast," said a police spokesman.

"Missiles, including stones and bottles, were thrown at officers.

"At least ten officers have been injured, three of whom have been taken to hospital."

The officers were reportedly hurt while trying to separate Protestant loyalists from Catholic protesters opposed to British rule in the province.

Around 3,500 people died in the three decades of sectarian violence between Northern Ireland's Catholics and Protestants that largely ended with a 1998 peace agreement, though sporadic unrest and bomb threats continue.