The number of police officers injured during loyalist protests against a republican parade in central Belfast has risen to 56.
The police fired 26 plastic bullets and made seven arrests on Friday evening amid sustained rioting in Royal Avenue.
Northern Ireland's Chief Constable Matt Baggott described the violence as "mindless anarchy" and "thuggery".
He praised his officers, saying they had put their lives on the line to protect the rule of law.
"I want to commend my colleagues for their immense courage last night. I have no doubt whatsoever that they prevented that anarchy from spreading and without that courage, many lives may well have been lost," Mr Baggott said.
Officers hospitalisedHe added that those who attacked police had "no intention of peaceful protest".
End Quote Matt Baggott PSNI Chief ConstableI have no doubt whatsoever that significant custodial sentences will be handed down in the weeks and months that follow. The prisons will be bulging, sadly."
A PSNI spokeswoman said four of the injured officers needed hospital treatment and one of them remained in hospital.
In addition to plastic bullets, police also used water cannon and dogs during the disorder.
The seven people who have been arrested were detained on suspicion of offences including riotous behaviour, disorderly behaviour and hijacking.
Mr Baggott said: "We made arrests last night where we could, you can be assured that many more will follow."
He added: "I have no doubt whatsoever that significant custodial sentences will be handed down in the weeks and months that follow. The prisons will be bulging, sadly."
Step backwardsNorthern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers described the violence and attacks on police as "shameful".
She said what had happened was a "hugely regrettable step backwards" after Northern Ireland's recent successes at hosting the G8 summit and World Police and Fire Games.
The trouble began when loyalists staged a demonstration the city centre, against a republican parade that was due to pass along Royal Avenue, in one of the city's main shopping districts.
The protesters attacked the police with bricks and bottles as they waited for the parade to arrive.
Police said they came under heavy and sustained attack by crowds "intent on creating disorder".
Shops damagedThey also said they had reports that two members of the public had been injured.
A number of parked vehicles were set on fire in the nearby North Street area. A number of shops were damaged as well as at least one bar.
The protest stopped the republican marchers from using the route.
Some loyalists accused the police of being heavy-handed.
The parade and the protesters later confronted each other about 100 metres apart in north Belfast.
What police have described as serious disorder took place in the Carrickhill, Peter's Hill and Millfield areas close to the city centre.
Major operationThe parade then passed into west Belfast after protesters were pushed back towards the Shankill area.
Police put in place a major operation ahead of the parade, involving hundreds of officers and dozens of vehicles.
The march, which started in north Belfast, marked the introduction of internment in 1971.
The Parades Commission had given permission for six loyalist protests against the parade. Numbers were restricted at four of them.
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