Belfast , Northern Ireland ( CNN ) -- Sectarian rioting broke out in eastern Belfast late Monday , with leaders from both Catholic and Protestant communities reporting attacks on homes overnight . Police reported Molotov cocktails were being thrown as a large crowd gathered on the streets that separate Catholic and Protestant neighborhoods in the area , a longstanding Northern Ireland flash point . Ambulance services reported two people injured early Tuesday , and reporters attempting to cover the disturbances were threatened . The Irish republican party Sinn Fein said up to 100 masked men raided Catholic-owned homes in the Short Strand neighborhood after allegations by unionist politicians that Protestant homes were attacked Sunday . Police had no information on any of Sunday 's reported attacks . Sinn Fein blamed the attacks on Catholics on members of the Ulster Volunteer Force , a loyalist paramilitary group that officially disarmed in 2009 . Police had no immediate comment on the assertion . After a long period of quiet in its ongoing `` Troubles '' between Catholics and Protestants , Northern Ireland has seen a resurgence of violence in recent months . Tensions also are typically elevated in early summer , when Protestant groups hold commemorative marches to celebrate the 17th-century victory of England 's King William III over his Catholic predecessor , James II .
Molotov cocktails mark east Belfast clashes . Ambulance services report two injured . Northern Ireland has seen a resurgence of violence in recent months .