Police seek four men in connection with Eleventh Night disorder in east Belfast

Q Radio News

Police have released images of four people they wish to speak to in relation to disruption to Avoniel Leisure Centre last summer.

Detectives are seeking help in identifying the individuals suspected of unlawfully entering the complex and disrupting activities in the run up to Eleventh Night. 

The disruption lasted for days and forced the council facility to close after staff were threatened. 

It prompted the PSNI to issue a warning about the risk of serious disorder being orchestrated by the east Belfast UVF at the time. 

Detective Chief Inspector Mary White said detectives would "like to talk to" all the individuals in connection with an ongoing investigation into persons unlawfully entering Avoniel Leisure Centre and disrupting its activities which took place in the area of Avoniel Road, Belfast on the run up to Eleventh NightJ last July. 

“Over the course of a number of days, there was a small number of people in the area who were intent on causing disruption to the normal business of the Council facility," DCI White added. 

“We are committed to identifying those involved in a range of incidents across Belfast last summer and we will be relentless in our pursuit in order to bring these offenders before the Courts.

“By releasing these images I am hopeful that the wider community will help us identify these individuals. It is in everybody’s interest – as well as in the interest of justice - that those responsible are dealt with appropriately and I would urge anyone who may have any information to bring it forward.

 “I also encourage the persons within these pictures to contact police directly. In doing so they will minimise the impact on themselves, their family and their community.”

“Anyone who may be able to identify any of these individuals or provide any information about them such as their name, address or age is urged to contact detectives at Musgrave Police Station on 101.

“Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."