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6 months ago
15
Nine people alleged to have taken part in a wild church riot after a teenager allegedly stabbed a bishop have been urged by the police to turn themselves in.
Eight men and a woman are among the alleged rioters that took part in violent attacks outside Christ the Good Shephard Church in Wakeley, in Sydney's west, on April, 15.
The riot, which investigators say swelled to involve 2000 people and injured several police officers, followed the stabbing of Assyrian bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel and priest Isaac Royel during a live-streamed service that day.
Dozens of police were injured, their cars vandalised and some officers and paramedics were forced to shelter inside the place of worship before the 16-year-old could be taken away safely.
The 16-year-old boy has been charged with a terrorism offence over the stabbing that ignited the riot and which police say was religiously motivated.
Thousands gathered outside the Christ the Good Shephard Church in chaotic scenes (pictured) as dozens of police officers were called to the place of worship to restore order
A strike force has been established by NSW Police (pictured heavily armed officers) to investigate the riots that took place at the church
Police said 14 men have been charged for their suspected participation in the riot and are awaiting trial.
NSW Police are seeking nine more in connection with the incident.
Strike Force Dribs Commander Andrew Evans, urged the alleged rioters to come forward to avoid heavily armed officers entering properties to conduct arrests.
'If you were there on the evening and undertook some kind of violent criminal action, you need to turn yourself in,' Commander Evans told the Daily Telegraph.
The stern warning comes after dozens of heavily armed officers arrested George Boulous at his home in Picnic Point. Boulous is alleged to have used a metal ladder to smash a window in the church in an attempt to confront the teenager.
'As you've seen today, we will execute those search warrants at family homes and as a result, unfortunately, their families and their neighbours, and their communities, are exposed to police coming through the front door and actively seeking to arrest people,' Commander Evans said.
Who police are seeking?
As investigations continue, detectives have now released images of eight men and a woman who may be able to assist with their inquiries.
The first person depicted (Person P) is described as being a man of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance, slim build, with short dark hair.
He is shown wearing light coloured clothing, dark coloured shoes and carrying a black bag across his body.
Person P (pictured) was seen wearing a body bag on the night police allege the violence occurred
The second person depicted (Person U) is described as being a man of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance, with long dark brown hair tied in a bun and a dark coloured beard.
He is shown wearing a light-coloured shirt.
One man with a dark beard who had his hair tied back in a bun (pictured person U) is also a person of interest police intend to speak to over the alleged riots
The third person depicted (Person V) is described as being a man of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance, solid build, with a dark coloured beard.
He is shown wearing a grey hooded jumper, black cap, black shorts and white shoes.
Person V (pictured) was wearing a grey hoodie and black shorts on the night the alleged acts of violence took place
The fourth person depicted (Person Z) is described as being a man of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance and muscular build.
He is shown wearing a black singlet, shorts, cap and shoes.
Person Z (pictured) who has a solid build was also allegedly involved in the riots
The fifth person depicted (Person AH) is described as being a man of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance, solid build, with a dark coloured beard.
He is shown wearing a grey t-shirt.
Police are on the hunt for nine people including person AH (pictured), who allegedly took part in violent scenes that erupted outside a church in Sydney's west, when a teenager allegedly stabbed a bishop
The sixth person depicted (Person AN) is described as being a woman of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance, medium build, with blonde hair.
She is shown wearing a singlet top and shorts, with a shirt tied around her waist and a dark coloured cap.
Person AN (pictured) has blonde hair and was dressed in a singlet top and shorts and was wearing a cap on the night
The seventh person depicted (Person AO) is described as being a man of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance, solid build, with a dark beard and a star tattoo on his right arm.
He is shown wearing a light-coloured shirt with dark writing on the back, shorts and a cap.
Investigators intend to speak to person AO (pictured) who they allege was involved in the violent scenes
The eighth person depicted (Person BC) is described as being a man of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance, solid build, with dark hair and a beard.
Eight men are alleged to have taken part in the riots including person BC (pictured)
He is shown wearing a t-shirt with a motif on the front left-hand side.
The ninth person depicted (Person BN) is described as being a man of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance, muscular build, dark hair and a beard, with a black bandage on his right arm.
Person BN (pictured) who was seen wearing a shoulder bag also allegedly took part in the violence
He is shown wearing black pants and a black shoulder bag and white sneakers.
As investigations under Strike Force Dribs continue, anyone who can identify the men depicted or provide information that may assist is urged to contact Fairfield Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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