Police officials said 32 officers were wounded in clashes with Protestant marchers that broke out Saturday and stretched into the morning hours. The officials said two rioters were also injured, and noted that 50 live rounds had been fired at police.

The violence began after authorities re-routed an annual Protestant march away from a Catholic enclave.

The commander of Northern Ireland's police, Chief Constable Hugh Orde blamed the disturbances on the Protestant Orange Order for urging its supporters to protest. The Order denied responsibility and blamed authorities for heavy-handed policing.

The Protestant "Orangemen" march annually at this time to commemorate a 1690 victory over Catholics.