PSNI Release Images In Union Flag Investigation

Detectives from the Operation Dulcet Investigation team have released a further 13 images of people they are eager to speak to in relation to disturbances surrounding the union flag protests.

Belfast City Councillors voted on 3 December last year to limit the number of days the union flag will fly above City Hall.

Many unionists and loyalists have called the move an attack on their cultural identity and have been staging protests across Northern Ireland since then.

While many of the protests have been peaceful, some have erupted into violent clashes with police and with nationalists in the Short Strand area of Belfast.

The PSNI is currently making arrests following a period of evidence gathering, and has released a series of pictures of people they want to speak to in relation to disorder that occurred between 03 December 2012 and 05 January 2013.

So far, 215 people have been arrested and 163 people charged as part of the Operation Dulcet investigation.

52 people have either been reported for taking part in an un-notified or unlawful public procession or for obstructing a road.

The offences include serious rioting, hijacking of vehicles, attacks on politicians' offices, threats made against politicians, un-notified processions and social media based offences.

Detective Superintendent Sean Wright explained: "We have been clear from the outset that if you break the law, you will face the consequences and we stand firm on this. Anyone engaged in illegal activity will be dealt with appropriately and proportionately.

"This broad range of diverse investigations are being undertaken by one team to ensure that we can make the linkages between those people who are offending in one part and who are also offending in another. This will then assist us in providing a robust case to bring before the courts.

"And as part of our continued investigation, we are now releasing a further 13 images of individuals whom we’d like to talk to in connection with ongoing investigations into public disorder. I’m hopeful that the wider community will help us identify these individuals, but I would also encourage the individuals featured to contact my team directly – in doing so they will minimise the impact on themselves, their family and their community.

"It is in everybody’s interest – as well as in the interest of justice - that those responsible are dealt with appropriately. I would urge anyone who may have information to bring it forward."

Anyone who may be able to identify any of the individuals is urged to contact detectives at the Major Incident Room on 028 90 901775 from 09:00 to 22:00 daily.

The independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The images are available to view on the PSNI website.

(IT)