A bus has been set alight in Rathcoole, County Antrim
A bus has been burned as union flag protests again cause traffic disruption in Northern Ireland.
The protests began in some areas at 15:00 GMT and have taken place across Counties Antrim, Armagh, Down, Londonderry.
A number of roads have been closed and a bus has been set alight in Rathcoole, County Antrim.
There have been 39 days of protests over Belfast City Council's decision to fly the flag on designated days only.
Translink has confirmed that all its metro services have been suspended apart from Falls Road Services and buses to Belfast International Airport.
Roads blocked in Belfast: Milltown Road between the House of Sport and Knockbreda carriageway; Clonduff between Montgomery Road and Castlereagh Road junction; Knockbreda carriageway between the Sandown Road junction and Knock Road junction; Great Victoria Street at Hope Street junction; Castlereagh Street; Templemore Avenue; Finaghy crossroads; Robb's Road, Dundonald.
Police said that due to ongoing protests, access to Ravenhill stadium for the Heineken Cup pool match between Ulster and Glasgow has been difficult.
Also closed are: Abbey Street in Bangor; Conway Square in Newtownards and Clough village in County Down.
There were also protests in Glasgow and in Liverpool at 18:00 GMT on Friday.
Operation Sit in
Meanwhile, people have used social media to initiate Operation Sit In - a counter to the protests that has encouraged people to come out regardless and support their local pubs or restaurants.
Stephen Magorrian, the managing director of Botanic Inns, said people could have a great night out in the city centre.
"The protesters have told us where they are going to be and when so why are we panicking?" he asked.
"Be sensible, plan your journey and make sure you know where and when the protest is.
"There is great entertainment, so stay in the city. We need the support.
"Things are still going and we have some of the best restaurants and bars, but if we don't support them we will lose them."
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