Protests disrupt Olympic torch rally

The Olympic torch made a brief detour on Monday after dissident republicans staged a protest during its passage across Northern Ireland, police said

The demonstration in Londonderry, Northern Ireland’s second city, over policing forced the torch to take an alternative route before crossing the city’s Peace Bridge.

The torch bearer (centre) is protected by Olympic security personnel in N Ireland. PIC/AFP

The bridge is a symbol of cross-community reconciliation and was opened relatively recently between a disused army barracks in a mainly Protestant part of Derry and its largely Catholic centre.

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