The scene of the petrol bomb attack in Short Strand which left a four-year-old girl with minor injuries

LOCAL residents divided by an interface in east Belfast have held talks aimed at bringing an end to tit-for-tat attacks.

Petrol bombs, fireworks and stones have been thrown between Bryson Street in Short Strand and Thistle Court along the Albertbridge Road since the weekend.

Both sides held face-to-face talks on Thursday which was facilitated by the Belfast Interface Project to try and solve the underlying issues and restore calm to the area.

Police have appealed for calm following a number of incidents across the interface.

A petrol bomb was thrown from the Short Strand into Cluan Place on Sunday. Police said a group of youths gathered at the interface on Monday night.

A 15-year-old boy was arrested for throwing the petrol bomb.

Then on Tuesday afternoon a four-year-old girl was hurt when a petrol bomb was thrown over into Bryson Street while a group of children were playing.

A petrol bomb was thrown in the Thistle Court area, close to Bryson Street, that night.

Loyalists show off missiles they say have been thrown from Short Strand into Thistle Court

The PSNI said: “Police would ask parents to ensure that they know the whereabouts of their children, to ensure that they do not get drawn into any violence or anti-social behaviour at interfaces.”