North Belfast Detectives release riot images
30 Jul 2010
The most senior detective in North and West Belfast has released the first photographs of people his team would like to speak to in connection with the investigation into disturbances at Ardoyne over the Twelfth period.
Detective Chief Inspector Alan Little, who is heading a team of 20 officers solely dedicated to probing the disorder, said he was hopeful that members of the public would assist police in identifying 14 people who he believes could help officers with their enquiries into some of the most serious incidents.
“Today I am asking the public to help us identify 14 individuals whom we’d like to talk to in connection with our investigation into the disorder that wreaked havoc on the local community in Ardoyne and put both local residents and police officers at risk of serious injury or even worse.
“It is in everybody’s interest – as well as in the interest of justice - that those responsible are charged and brought before the courts,” he said.
Detectives across Belfast have so far made 42 arrests in connection with the disturbances, 22 of which relate to disorder in North and West Belfast. DCI Little again stressed his commitment to carrying out a thorough and painstaking investigation which he hopes will result in a significant number of further arrests.
“Following the serious disturbances, we made a commitment to the community to do everything possible to bring those responsible to justice.
“Since then we have been carrying out a robust and extensive investigation. My detectives have been sifting through hundreds of hours of CCTV and other media coverage, several thousand still photographs and a substantial amount of web footage. In addition, we have gathered forensic evidence and conducted area searches.
“Everything we can do to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice is being done, and now we are asking the public for their help,” he said.
DCI Little appealed to everybody in the community to come forward and assist detectives with the investigation.
“We are now asking for public assistance in identifying a number of people who we believe will be able to help us make considerable progress in the investigation.
“We are confident that many people in the community will know the identity of the 14 people whose images we are releasing. We would urge them in the strongest possible terms to bring that information forward.
“It is essential that those who were involved in the rioting do not continue to wreck communities and put people’s lives at risk. It is vital that we all send out a message to those responsible that such behaviour will not be tolerated,” he concluded.
Anyone with information is urged to contact detectives at the Public Order Enquiry Team on 02890 259232 (lines initially manned until midnight) or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
