18 sought over London protest violence

John Fahey,Pa
Sunday 03 April 2011 08:44 BST

Detectives investigating thugs who brought chaos to London by hijacking a trade union demonstration have released pictures of 18 people they want to identify

More than 140 people were charged in the aftermath of last Saturday's offences in the capital's West End.

Officers have sifted through CCTV and images recorded during attacks launched on police and property in London's busiest shopping district.

Today, the Metropolitan Police urged anyone who knows the suspects to get in touch.

Detective Chief Superintendent Matthew Horne, leading the investigation, said: "We are working tirelessly to identify those responsible for the appalling acts of criminal behaviour on the day of the TUC march.

"The vast majority of people, who came to London that day, did so peacefully, but a significant minority didn't - they came to cause violence and damage.

"There is an extensive operation to identify these people.

"With the help of the public they will be called to account for their actions on that day.

"I would urge anyone who recognises these individuals to contact my team."

Fifty-six police officers were injured during the attacks - 11 needing hospital treatment.

This week, Home Secretary Theresa May raised the prospect of new powers to ban known hooligans from attending rallies and marches and forcing people to remove face-scarves and balaclavas.

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