Police release new images in search for church rioters
The images of 12 men who were allegedly involved in the violent riot outside The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley have been released by NSW Police.
Three men have been charged over their alleged involvement in the riot last Monday, shortly after bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was stabbed during a service that was being live-streamed.
A 16-year-old boy has been arrested over the stabbing incident, with police describing it as a "terror incident".
Now, Strike Force Dribs have been established to investigate the violent incidents, and they have released the images of the men they would like to speak to.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland said that around 2,000 people were at the scene but up to 50 were there "to start problems".
"We know that there's groups of families involved that have gone there to support their parishioners, and we're not looking for those people," he said.
"We're looking to speak with them if they can provide us information about the people involved."
In the immediate aftermath of the incident, dozens of police were injured, their cars vandalised, and some officers and paramedics were forced to take shelter inside the church.
One police officer had their jaw broken, while another suffered facial and knee injuries.
Superintendent Andrew Evans said that the images of the men have been released "due to the violent and aggressive nature of their actions".
"We are doing everything we can to identify these men and are now appealing for public assistance," he said in a statement.
"Someone in the community knows who they are."
One man — known as Person A — had his face covered but was filmed jumping on top of police cars. He has a large tattoo of Jesus Christ on his stomach, and others on his left arm.
Another — known as Person C — was described as being of Mediterranean or Middle Eastern appearance with short black hair and a beard.
A full list of all the people police believed were involved in the riots were released on their website, with descriptions of their features and the clothes they were wearing.
Investigators are also collecting evidence including mobile phone and CCTV footage to identify those involved.
Over the weekend, Issa Haddad, 28, was charged and granted bail for over the public disorder incident.
Two others, Dani Mansour, 19, and Sam Haddad, 45, have also been charged and granted bail.
Images: NSW Police/ SBS News