Police Service Northern Ireland said they arrested seven people in south Belfast after a small protest on Friday evening quickly developed into a riot, Reuters reported.
The BBC reported about a hundred people had gathered in the Shaftesbury Square area, where protests had been expected by people loyal to British rule in the territory.
Belfast District Commander Chief Superintendent Simon Walls appealed for calm in a statement after what he called “appalling behavior” on the scene.
”Eight officers have so far been injured after being subjected to a sustained attack by rioters who have thrown a number of objects at police, including heavy masonry, metal rods, fireworks and manhole covers,” the police said.
“Their injuries include burns, head and leg injuries.”