NEW : `` Those people had no intention of peaceful protest , '' says top police officer . The government has been accused by the opposition and human rights groups of using excessive force against protesters in recent days. The violence broke out as loyalists staged protests against a nationalist march . Belfast 's main shopping district was the focus of the disturbances .
NEW : `` Those people had no intention of peaceful protest , '' says top police officer . Police say 56 officers were hurt in violent clashes with loyalists in Belfast . The violence broke out as loyalists staged protests against a nationalist march . Belfast 's main shopping district was the focus of the disturbances .