Republicans have blamed loyalists for the attack in the grounds of the Yorkgate shopping complex on Tuesday.

They claim nationalist youths were the target.

Police and soldiers moved into the area after reports that rival groups had gathered at the interface between nationalist New Lodge and loyalist Tigers Bay.

Nationalists said a loyalist with a handgun opened fire on a group of teenagers playing football in the grounds of the shopping complex.

Sinn Fein said it was convinced live rounds had been used.

In a follow up search of the area, police recovered the blank cartridges.