These are the faces of 22 men police want to trace after violence broke out following a controversial protest in Dudley.Detectives investigating reports of criminal damage and disorder in the town centre have today released CCTV images in a bid to identify the men.
Around 600 English Defence League followers descended on the town for a rally on July 17 bringing the centre to a standstill.
Houses and cars were damaged, missiles were hurled at officers and steel fences were pulled down as trouble flared between demonstrators and police.
Shops were boarded up, the market cancelled and roads closed in preparation for the arrival of protestors from across the country.An event hosted by the Dudley Interfaith Alliance was also held on the same day in another part of the town.
Police said today 20 offences had been recorded to date, including criminal damage caused to cars and premises as well as pockets of disorder. Home in Alexandra Street, cars parked in roads surrounding Stafford Street, restaurants in Wolverhampton Street and the Hindu Temple were all attacked by vandals.
Windows were smashed and damage was caused to fencing while a number of vehicles were also targeted as they were being driven through the town.
Detective Inspector Carl Southwick from Force CID, who is leading this investigation, said: “We are appealing to members of the public to look closely at these images. If you recognise any of these individuals or believe you have information that may help, I urge you to come forward.
“We are committed to identifying those responsible for the pockets of disorder and criminal damage that took place in Dudley town centre that afternoon.”
Anybody who recognises the men, or who witnessed anything in the area at the time is asked to contact West Midlands Police – Force CID, Operation Belvedere on 0121 428 6123 or 0345 113 5000. People can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The cost of policing the protest was £400,000 with money being spent on pay for officers, whose rest days were rearranged so they would be available for duty.
It was also used on specialist policing teams such as the dog handlers and operational support units. The English Defence League said it was demonstrating against a planned £12million mosque in Hall Street, Dudley.
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