Several hundred people held a peace vigil in Belfast yesterday in response to a wave of street violence over a decision by the city council to limit the number of days it flies the British flag.

They formed a human chain around the city hall in Northern Ireland’s capital and prayed for five minutes, in what organisers said was intended as a positive message for peace in the British province once plagued by sectarian violence.

“What the past 10 days have shown us is that we have come so far, (but) we still have quite a journey ahead of us. We just wanted to stand and pray for hope and peace,” organiser Andrew Masters said.

The vigil was followed by a demonstration by about 1,000 protesters against the December 3 decision by city councillors to limit the number of days it will fly the British Union flag to 17 each year. The vote sparked nights of pro-British loyalist riots, which have seen almost 30 police officers hurt and more than 40 people arrested.

Yesterday’s protest, with demonstrators waving flags and holding banners, was about half the size of the December 8 protest, and passed peacefully.

Police Assistant Chief Constable George Hamilton had earlier warned that violence would not be tolerated.

“People have a legitimate and democratic right to peacefully protest in relation to this issue. But violence and disorder are simply not acceptable,” he said in a statement.

“Such behaviour does not reflect the wishes of the vast majority of all communities in Northern Ireland who simply want to enjoy the festive period with their friends and families in peace.”

Politicians across the spectrum have condemned the riots and insisted there will be no return to the past.