PSNI releases pictures of Ardoyne rioters

DETECTIVES yesterday released CCTV stills of men they wish to question in connection with the July 12 riots in north Belfast.

Police accused dissident republicans of trying to kill officers in the flashpoint Ardoyne district during a sustained attack which left more than 100 injured.

Petrol and blast bombs, as well as stones and bottles, were thrown at the police and a number of journalists and civilians were injured.

Police used water cannons and fired baton rounds into the crowd in a bid to combat the trouble, which flared after a controversial Orange march passed through the nationalist area.

The PSNI issued 16 CCTV stills of men wanted for questioning in connection with the rioting.

In one digital image, a youth wearing a white baseball cap can be seen holding a flaming object.

The appeal followed the release of a dozen separate images to the Sunday newspapers. North Belfast District Commander, Chief Superintendent Mike Little, said: “Police are using all available means, including extensive CCTV footage from the scene, to identify those involved.

“Our footage is extensive and clearly shows us the perpetrators of this violence. We are asking them to come forward before we come knocking on their doors.”

The senior officer also urged the Ardoyne community to assist the inquiry.

He said: “I would appeal to the community to work with us to prosecute these people who bring nothing but disorder and fear to the streets of north Belfast.”