A flashpoint Orange Order parade in North Belfast has been peaceful so far.

A handful of loyal order members registered a complaint at a barrier preventing them from marching past the mainly nationalist Ardoyne area and held a silent protest but there were none of the usual supporters.

The area has been the scene of serious violence in recent years but the police presence was low key and a senior commander earlier said tensions had been lower this year.

Orangeman Gerald Solinas handed over a protest letter to an officer and claimed dissident republicans were "ruling" Belfast.

He said: "Nowhere in the rest of society would terrorism be acceptable."

A deal between Orangemen and nationalist residents fell through in recent days.