Operation Dulcet: PSNI Releases Images

The PSNI has released a further set of images of people officers are keen to talk to as part of Operation Dulcet.

The 17 pictures have been released to the public to help with inquiries into incidents in east Belfast and Broughshane.

Operation Dulcet was set up in the wake of the union flag protests, to identify and bring before the courts those who have been involved in violence or illegal protests.

Loyalists have been protesting since Belfast City Council's decision to restrict the number of days the union flag can be flown over City Hall.

They claim the move is attack on their cultural identity.

While most of the protests have been peaceful, many have resulted in clashes with the PSNI and nationalists in the Short Strand area.

To date, a total of 229 people have been arrested as part of the PSNI investigation. A total of 174 people have been charged and 62 people have been reported to the Public Prosecution Service.

Detective Superintendent Sean Wright said the investigation has received strong support from the public.

"We have released a number of images so far and we have had a very positive response from members of the public to date," he said.

"There are people out there who will know the identity of these 17 people who I am looking to speak to. I am confident that those people will come forward with that information.

"It is vital that we all send out a message to those involved in public disorder that such behaviour will not be tolerated. Those who break the law must face consequences for their actions. They will be dealt with appropriately and proportionately through the criminal justice system."

He added: "I would ask anyone who believes one of the images is of them to contact us immediately in order to help us with our enquiries."

Offences being investigated under Operation Dulcet include rioting, hijacking of vehicles, attacks on politicians' offices, threats made to politicians, unnotified processions, obstructive sitting and social media-based offences.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Major Incident Room on 028 90 901775 from 09:00 to 22:00 daily.

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

The 17 images released by police are available via the PSNI website.

(IT/CD)