A police man announces the Parades Commission's restrictions as the parade goes past St Patrick's Church

Children pictured in the Shankill estate before the parade forms up

A police officer is injured as loyalists and nationalists clash outside St.Patricks Church Donegall Street

Royal Black Preceptory parade through Belfast City Centre. The annual parade, which was being held in the centre of Belfast for the first time, had restrictions placed upon it by the Parades Commission. No music was allowed to be played when passing St Patricks Church on Donegall street. Trouble flares during the parade at St Patrick's Church when nationalist residents clashed with loyalist supporters.

Police officers attempt to stop fighting between loyalist and nationalist groups outside outside St Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Belfast 2012 (AP)

A 13-year-old boy was one of three people arrested in Belfast after trouble flared after a loyalist band defied a ruling not to march past a Catholic church.

Seven police officers were injured in Saturday's disturbances - none seriously.

The Young Conway Volunteers band had been banned from parading past St Patrick's Church on Donegall Street in the city after being filmed playing an allegedly sectarian song at the spot during July 12 demonstrations.

Violence broke out in the area as the Shankill Road band marched past the church. A number of bands played music between Clifton Street and Unity Street area, which police also said was a breach of a ruling by the Parades Commission adjudication body.

It is understood police were attacked when they attempted to keep nationalists opposed to the parade and loyalists apart.

Bottles were thrown from both sides during the trouble. A female officer required hospital treatment after sustaining a head injury.

The 13-year-old boy was arrested in the Donegall Street area on suspicion of riotous behaviour. He was released pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service.

An 18-year-old man was arrested in the Clifton Street area on suspicion of disorderly behaviour and assault on police.

He has been charged with both offences and is due to appear at Belfast Magistrates Court on September 20.

A 38-year-old man arrested in the North Queen Street area on suspicion of disorderly behaviour and provocative conduct has been charged with both offences. He is due to appear at Belfast Magistrates' Court on Monday morning.

PA