Belfast Union flag protester remanded in custody

Two of the most high profile Union flag demonstrators have appeared in court in Northern Ireland charged with a series of offences linked to the loyalist protests.

Jamie Bryson, 23, was refused bail at Belfast Magistrates Court while Jim Dowson, 48, was granted bail on strict conditions.

Bryson, from Co Down, has been charged with two counts of encouraging or assisting offenders and four counts of taking part in an unnotified public procession.

Dowson, who is originally from Scotland but now lives in Co Down, was charged with encouraging or assisting offenders and five counts of taking part in an unnotified public procession.

A number of the earlier demonstrations descended into violence, particularly in east Belfast, with around 140 police officers being injured.