Police are hunting at least 14 people as part of their investigation into riots in north Belfast over the Twelfth of July period, it was revealed today.
Photographs of the wanted youths and young men were released today following days of trouble at the Ardoyne interface.
A shotgun was fired at police in North Queen Street, masonry dropped on officers and bullets aimed at PSNI lines. The gangs used petrol bombs, blast bombs, bricks and bottles.
Detective chief inspector Alan Little said: “The people who do this are wreaking havoc on the community in Ardoyne, it is putting police and the local community at risk of serious injury. This sort of behaviour is not to be tolerated.”
More than 80 officers were injured in three days of violence earlier this month.
A police public order team is trawling through 100 hours of CCTV recording and 1,000 still camera shots in a bid to identify hooligans responsible for launching wave upon wave of brutal attacks on police.
Detectives have made 42 arrests, 22 of which involved disorder in north and west Belfast and the other 20 in parts of the city like Short Strand.
They are sifting through thousands of photographs and web footage as well as forensic evidence.
Police today released 13 photos featuring images of the 14 people they would like to speak to.
Mr Little added: “When you saw the absolute viciousness of some of the attacks on the police it is not always possible to make (all) arrests at the time. I will be continuing to make arrests and deal with people, I hope we make more arrests.”
The youngest person arrested was aged 15.
“There have been people pushing the children forward into dealing with this," Mr Little said.
“They are not worried about these children getting criminal records.”
Residents from the Ardoyne had provided the police with mobile phone-video footage they had taken of the riots to help the investigation.
Detectives are also examining video sharing and social networking sites to see if the rioters or their friends have unwittingly posted evidence that could incriminate them.
They have been in touch with colleagues from Ballymena, Derry and Lurgan after people travelled to Belfast to engage in violence.
Mr Little appealed to everybody to come forward and assist detectives with the investigation.
“We are confident that many people in the community will know the identity of the 14 people whose images we are releasing,” he added.
Police have established an inquiry line so anybody with information can contact them.
Meanwhile, a 13-year old youth was arrested today for riotous assembly on July 12th and 13th at Ardoyne shopfronts. He attended a police station in North Belfast voluntarily this afternoon.
PA