Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council
Investigators remain committed to identifying outstanding suspects one year on from last summer’s public disorder – with more than 1,000 people already arrested.
Since the serious and sustained disorder that occurred on the nation’s streets last summer, policing has been working relentlessly with criminal justice partners to identify those involved and bring them to justice.
The latest available statistics show that 1,876 people have been arrested, with 1,110 charged. Many have been through the courts and received significant prison sentences.
As we mark a year on from the disorder, police forces with suspects outstanding have come together to appeal for anyone with information relating to their identity to come forward.
A dedicated website has been created featuring suspects from Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Cleveland, Northumbria and Avon and Somerset.
We have seen a small number of localised protests take place at various locations this summer. While the majority have been peaceful, we have witnessed a few isolated incidents that have escalated into public disorder.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council says the anniversary appeal demonstrates the determination and ability of policing to respond to and investigate to such incidents, and stood as a warning to anyone intent on disorder in future.
National Police Chiefs’ Council investigation lead for Operation Navette, Assistant Chief Constable Ian Drummond-Smith, 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.”
Nick Price, Director of Legal Services at the Crown Prosecution Service, said:
“Soon after the violence that terrorised our streets began last year, we promised the CPS would prosecute cases swiftly and effectively.
“To date, more than 820 people have been convicted for their roles in last summer’s disorder, with the CPS achieving a conviction rate of just under 96 per cent.
“The right to protest is enshrined in law – and we commend all those who have expressed their views without any resort to violence or disorder.
“But we will never hesitate to prosecute those cases where behaviour crosses the line into criminality and stand ready with law enforcement partners to act.”
ACC Drummond-Smith added that the tireless efforts of investigation teams to bring offenders to justice also offered a warning to anyone considering taking part in future disorder on our streets.
He said:
“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
As always, those who wish to remain anonymous can contact the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online by searching ‘Crimestoppers UK’.