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PSNI issue pictures of north Belfast riot suspects

The PSNI has issued photographs of people suspected of involvement in rioting at a north Belfast parades flashpoint last July.

The 16 pictures were released in connection with trouble which flared in the Woodvale, Twaddell and Ardoyne areas on July 13.

Violence flared as Orange Order members and their supporters reached police lines as they returned from the main July 12 celebrations.

The Parades Commission had earlier banned Orangemen from passing nearby nationalist homes in Ardoyne.

During the trouble PSNI officers were attacked with masonry, bottles, petrol bombs and fireworks resulting in 25 officers being injured.

Five incidents took place in Belfast City Centre with a further 20 taking place in the north of the city.

Police responded by firing plastic bullets and deploying water cannon.

Police investigating last year’s trouble have so far arrested 23 people, with 18 being charged and five reported to the Public Prosecution Service.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Reid said police want to speak to those pictured.

"We are committed to identifying those involved in this disorder and we will be relentless in our pursuit in order to bring these offenders before the courts," he said.

He also urged those pictured to come 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," he said.