Police release riot pictures

Seven men wanted in connection with London riot

The police have released pictures of seven men they want to question about the vandalism and violence during the May Day riots in London.

The men were captured on closed-circuit television cameras during the disturbances at the anti-capitalist event in the centre of the capital.

During the violence, the Cenotaph in Whitehall was defaced, while the statue of Sir Winston Churchill in Parliament Square was daubed with paint and anti-war slogans.

Rioters defaced a statue of Winston Churchill

The men, six of whom are in their twenties or early-thirties and one who is middle-aged, are wanted in connection with offences of criminal damage, violent disorder and rioting.

The Metropolitan Police are appealing for people who know the suspects, or who were taking part in the riots, to come forward and help them.

97 arrests

Detective Chief Inspector Jim Dickie said they wanted to hear from the many peaceful protesters who took part in the demonstration.

"They may hold vital information that could help us to track down those responsible for committing these crimes," he said.

So far, 97 people have been arrested in connection with the riots.

One police officer had to receive hospital treatment after being hit in the face with a brick, while another suffered a dislocated shoulder during the riots.

Nine civilians, seven men and two women, had to be treated at University College Hospital for minor injuries.

Anyone with information is urged to call the incident room on 020 7321 9251.

People can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.