Ulster Unionist assembly member for Fermanagh & South Tyrone, Tom Elliott, has condemned Republican individuals in the Ardoyne for "seeking to demonise the PSNI" after videos of the rioting were published on the internet website ’Youtube’.

Speaking after reviewing the footage, Mr Elliott said: "For years Republicans employed the tactic of demonising the RUC as brutal oppressors when it was simply not the case. They now appear to want to do the same with the PSNI and are using the internet as a vehicle to leave sick comments and create illusions about police tactics. One video which I came across actually went so far as to accuse the PSNI of shooting at residents and colluding in the murder of Catholics. These obvious lies are designed to stir up ill feeling and create an image in minds around the world of an oppressed Republican community. However, the reality is that it is Republican thugs who are destroying the Ardoyne and they don’t give a damn about the area or the suffering of those around them. For many it is simply a chance to attack the police and wreak havoc."

"In contrast to the peaceful, family friendly Twelfth demonstrations, this week Republicans have held up trains at Lurgan, rioted in Londonderry and brutally attacked police in the Ardoyne. Countless lives have been disrupted, cars hijacked and petrol bombs and concrete slabs thrown at PSNI officers. Thankfully the world’s media have seen the rioters for the hoods that they are. No amount of internet videos or sick comments can hide the reality of injured police personnel and hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of damage."

"I trust that the PSNI will be making arrests in the coming days. I would also urge them to use the connections they have to clamp down on the false claims put online by Republicans. They are malicious lies and should not be allowed to remain in the public domain."