Eight arrested after police plea on Internet

Police have made eight arrests after using the Internet to post images of protesters sought over trouble which erupted at a demonstration in London, it was announced today.

Police have made eight arrests after using the Internet to post images of protesters sought over trouble which erupted at a demonstration in London, it was announced today.

The disturbances, which took place on June 18 this year, flared after a peaceful demonstration had been organised via the Internet in protest against capitalism.

A total of 72 images of people wanted for questioning about the international day of protest were posted on the Corporation of London web site at www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

Visits to the site have dramatically increased since the images were introduced, with a 10-fold rise in the number of "hits".

Detective Inspector Kieron Sharp of the City of London Police said: "After consultation with our colleagues in the City Police press office, it was decided to place the photos of these subjects on the web site.

"Rather than having to rely upon the media to publish them we are now able to have direct access into thousands of offices and homes throughout the country and appeal for assistance directly to members of the public."

Chairman of policy and resources committee at the Corporation of London Judith Mayhew said: "The Corporation is keen to expand its use of the Internet.

"The City - the world's leading international financial and business centre - has one of the highest concentration of advanced IT systems in the world and the majority of the City's working population is IT literate."

The demonstration, which had been peaceful for most of the day and took place in other major cities around the world, is estimated to have caused £2 million worth of damage to buildings in London.

It is rumoured that another demonstration is being organised for November 30.