606 Offences Recorded By Operation Dulcet

A total of 606 offences have been recorded and 338 people charged under Operation Dulcet, according to the PSNI.

The investigation was set up in the wake of the union flag protests, which began on 3 December last year when Belfast Councillors voted to restrict the number of days the union flag could fly above City Hall.

While most of the protests have been peaceful, many have resulted in violence and rioting, during which police were bombarded with missiles, bottles, fireworks and golf balls.

There have also been clashes between unionists and nationalists from the Short Strand area of Belfast.

So far, 175 people have been charged or reported to the PPS for rioting and disorderly behaviour, while 190 people have been charged for participating in an unnotified procession or illegally sitting on and blocking public roads.

138 people have been charged over 'multiple offences'.

(IT/CD)