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The officer received first aid at the scene and was rushed to hospital.

PSNI officers and Orangemen were attacked as riot police escorted a parade past Ardoyne shops.

Various missiles including petrol bombs, bricks and bottles were thrown at police and marchers as they were escorted along the controversial parade route.

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Alistair Finlay said the violent scenes in Belfast over the last two nights were unacceptable.

"The past 24 hours has been a very challenging time for policing in Northern Ireland," he said.

"Tonight my officers, who were out risking their lives to protect the community, came under sustained attack in the Ardoyne area from bricks, bottles and petrol bombs. There was also a blast bomb thrown".

"Due to the level of violence officers faced from a crowd, a number of AEPs (baton rounds) were fired, and the water cannons were deployed as part of a proportionate policing strategy. A number of officers have been injured during the serious disorder."

ACC Finlay added that long-term solutions must be found to ease tensions and reduce trouble around the parading season.

At least one Orangeman was injured during the parade in Ardoyne.

The man, aged 63, was struck with a brick as police struggled to control hundreds of rioters.

"It's only to be expected," he told UTV, moments after the incident.

"We have to respect their culture, but they don't respect ours."

Officers were pelted with petrol bombs and metal bars, amid appeals for calm from nationalist residents carrying out a peaceful sit-down protest.

Around 50 people staged the sit-down on the Upper Crumlin Road, while hundreds more onlookers gathered.

A heavy police presence closed off the Crumlin Road between Flax Street and the Ballysillan Road.

Baton rounds were fired and water cannons were sent into the area.

Political reaction

Sinn Fein have said the violence was orchestrated by outsiders.

"What happened this morning was it was a peaceful protest by the residents, the residents wanted a repeat of that this evening. We didn't get that," said North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly.

"There was other people came and took over the protests - I think with the intention there would be riots later on and you can see what happened since."

Justice Minister David Ford condemned the violence in the Ardoyne area, as well as other parts of Northern Ireland.

The Minister was briefed by the Chief Constable and has spoken to the Secretary of State.

"The ugly violent scenes which the police faced in Ardoyne last night were both sickening and disturbing and I wish all the police officers injured a speedy recovery," said Mr Ford.

"Many people will be shocked when they see the images of the rioting and the sustained attack the police came under".

"In the face of extreme provocation, police officers showed the most remarkable restraint and professionalism which helped contain the violence and their efforts deserve praise across the community".

"Last night's violence was the result of a small number of people who are determined to create havoc and misery in the community".

"Huge efforts were invested by the police, politicians and community leaders to avert trouble".

He continued: "However what happened last night makes us all that more determined to redouble our efforts so that the small number of people who want to destroy our community will not be allowed to succeed."

Meanwhile in south Belfast, youths used a burning blockade to close off the Ormeau Road in the area of the Ormeau Bridge.

Bricks and bottles were also thrown at police.

© UTV News