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08:35 GMT
LONDON, Dec 12 (KUNA) -- Scotland Yard released pictures Sunday of 14
people who are wanted in connection with violence during the tuition fee
demonstrations, it was announced.
Detective Chief Superintendent Matthew Horne, leading the investigation,
said "We want the public to help us identify these people who may have been
involved in violent disorder, attacking police officers and smashing
buildings, shops and windows.
"The vast majority of the people we are seeking are suspected of committing
serious offences of violent disorder and criminal damage.
"The rights of protest and expression are important to us all. However,
people breaking the law, endangering those protesting peacefully and
committing offences such as this are criminals.
"We will investigate them and where we have the evidence we will arrest
them. If you know who any of these people are, please let us know."
Police launched a public order investigation, Operation Malone, to cover
all fee protests held from November 10, when students stormed Conservative
party headquarters in Millbank, Lonndon, until last Thursday's demonstration
in Parliament Square.
A total of 175 people were arrested during the four demonstrations,
including 34 who were detained on Thursday after havoc in central London left
dozens of officers and protesters injured.
All of those arrested in the most recent demonstration have been bailed to
return pending further inquiries.
The team is reviewing hours of CCTV and police footage.
Following the latest protest, Prime Minister David Cameron demanded that
demonstrators who defaced war memorials and attacked the Prince of Wales and
Duchess of Cornwall face the "full force of the law".
Cameron warned that it was not possible to blame the distressing scenes on
a small militant element when so many in the crowd were acting in an
"absolutely feral way".
The protests came after the decision by MPs to treble university fees to a
maximum of 9,000 pounds a year.
Among the most shocking episodes was the attack on a Rolls-Royce carrying
Charles and Camilla by a gang who smashed a window and threw paint while
shouting "Off with their heads!"
A Clarence House, the Heir to rthe thrones headquarters, spokesman refused
to confirm reports that the Duchess was poked with a stick through an open
window, but stressed that the royal couple did not seek medical help.
The Met Police declined to comment on reports that the royal car was driven
into harm's way because of a breakdown in communication.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson said an investigation
was being held into the security breach and added that armed protection
officers showed "real restraint" not to open fire as the situation slipped out
of control.
Meanwhile, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is examining
one incident where a 20-year-old student needed brain surgery after allegedly
being hit with a truncheon. (end)
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