Police of Northern Ireland

I am just having packed days all around, and today, while taking a bus into the city centre, we were stopped and told to re-route. Half the bus then got off, some passengers pissed off, as they knew what was up: a protest. I got off as well, thinking I would walk into the city centre. About a minute later, I came across the police in Northern Ireland out in force, to prevent any riot-type behaviour. Imagine, this happening in the middle of the city! Hundreds of people are all out, some stopping to watch, others just going on their way, as hundreds of poice decked out in riot gear and shields were out blocking streets. Then, the protesters, about 100 in all, and all Loyalist/Protestant, made their way to the Sandy Row neighbourhood and held there. I got close to the police and their cars, here are the pics: (click for larger pic)

This is a mural as you enter the neighbourhood, less than 5 min from the city centre...
These are the vehicles the police use, are heavily fortified and I beleive somewhat bomb-proof
More police looking down a street to the city centre...
People walking casualy...

The police front line, as far as I could go in...