Thousands may face charges over flag row

Thousands more people could face police action for criminal behaviour linked to the union flag protests in Northern Ireland, a senior detective has warned.

Police have pledged to hunt down those responsible as it emerged commanders are in discussions with the body that adjudicates on contentious parades in the region, to establish if it can make a ruling on a mass flag demonstration that has been taking place in Belfast on recent Saturdays.

If the Parades Commission considers the loyalist event falls within its remit, it could issue a determination that would limit its route.

The PSNI also revealed that two senior detectives from the Metropolitan Police, who led the probe into the London riots in 2011, have been called in to advise on the issue.

Since the controversy erupted in early December — when Belfast City Council voted to limit the number of days the flag flies over city hall — 174 people have been arrested and 124 have been charged.

Nearly 130 police officers have been injured.

Det Supt Seán Wright predicted many more people would come before the courts as his team turned to the task of examining CCTV footage.

He said action would be taken not only against those who have been involved in rioting, but also those who have been blocking the roads.