����ý

A 22-year-old man has appeared in court charged with 28 offences linked to public disorder in the Broadway area of Belfast in July and arson attacks on businesses and property in south Belfast in August.

Lennon Ashwood, who is unemployed, with an address at Tavanagh Street in the city, appeared at Belfast Magistrates' court on Tuesday.

The charges include four counts of riot, four of intentionally encouraging or assisting a riot, four counts of arson and one count of arson with intent to endanger life.

One of the arson charges relates to an attack on the Bash café in south Belfast. Another relates to the Sham supermarket, also in south Belfast.

Mr Ashwood also faces three counts of possession of an offensive weapon, three of criminal damage.

A detective constable told the court he could connect the accused to the charges.

Mr Ashwood spoke only to confirm he understood the charges.

There was no application for bail and he was remanded in custody.

There have been dozens of arrests and people charged in Northern Ireland in connection with disturbances in recent weeks.