100 arrests after Sunderland riots as police 'remain absolutely committed' to tracking down remaining offenders
Six months ago, Axel Rudakubana - who was 17 years old at the time - was jailed for life and must serve a minimum of 52 years for the sadistic killings and the attempted murder of 10 others. Riots and order were fuelled by online misinformation about the attacker's identity.
On Monday, the National Police Chiefs' Council has released pictures of a number of people suspected being involved in "some of the most serious disorder" in Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Bristol, Bolton and Southport. There are 19 suspects apiece in Sunderland and Middlesbrough, four in Bolton, six in Bristol, and nine in Southport.
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Northumbria Police has so far secured 39 convictions from 100 arrests, and hopes to identify further suspects from the pictures released today.
Det Ch Inspr Graeme Barr of Northumbria Police's Major Investigation Team (MIT) said: "Following the disgraceful disorder in Sunderland last August, we immediately launched a full investigation to identify all of those responsible. To date, more than 100 arrests have been made with 39 people convicted and sentenced for their parts and a total of 60 years of prison time handed out.
"Let us be clear that we remain absolutely committed to ensuring that all of those who took part in criminality that day are brought to justice. Our work to trace all individuals remains ongoing and we'd ask that anyone with information which could identify any of the 19 people whose images have been released this week to contact us."
The latest available national statistics show that 1,876 people have been arrested, with 1,110 charged from last year's disorder. 820 people have been convicted for their roles in the disorder, with the CPS achieving a conviction rate of 95%.
ACC Ian Drummond-Smith is the National Police Chiefs' Council investigation lead for Operation Navette, which was set up in the wake of last summer's violence. He said: "The serious violence we witnessed in communities across the country last summer was completely unacceptable.
"In the face of this, officers responded bravely to protect the public and swiftly launched investigations to identify those involved, with hundreds already apprehended and brought before the courts. This effort, supported by the Crown Prosecution Service and other criminal justice partners, was undoubtedly instrumental in bringing an end to the disorder and restoring peace to our towns and cities.
"Over the past year investigators have continued to diligently review footage and other evidence relating to the disorder and we will continue our efforts to bring those involved to justice. We are releasing images of a number of suspects involved in some of the most serious disorder across several force areas, and I would urge members of the public to support us by getting in touch if they have any information relating to the identities of these individuals."
There have been localised protests this summer, some of which have escalated into public disorder, such as in Epping where several people have been charged. Closer to home, one person is set to appear in court after being drunk and disorderly at a protest outside an asylum hotel in Newcastle at the weekend.
ACC Drummond-Smith added: "While policing has always facilitated peaceful protest, where this escalates to criminality and public disorder we will continue to respond robustly and conduct a thorough investigation to ensure those responsible face justice for their actions. Following the events of last summer, we reviewed our national and regional processes, which has further enhanced our ability to respond and investigate offences in a timely and effective manner."
Members of the public can view the images that have been released and supply information via the special crime reporting portal at https://www.police.uk/disorder-appeal. Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online by searching 'Crimestoppers UK'.
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