Cops’ fresh appeal over church riot
A police strike force probing a wild riot at a Sydney church, sparked after an Assyrian bishop was stabbed by a teenager, have released new images of men and women they believe can help them with their investigation.
The fresh appeal follows NSW Police making multiple arrests after the chaotic scenes erupted outside Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley last month.
Police and paramedics were targeted by rioters and cars were damaged during the pandemonium, some disguising their faces to avoid detection.
Strike Force Dribs was established to investigate the riots, with Police Commissioner Karen Webb revealing detectives had been added to the investigative arm.
On Wednesday, officers attached to the strike force revealed images of several men and women they wished to speak with about the riot..
Fourteen men have already been charged over their alleged involvement in the incident.
Some arrests occurred this week, with five firearms prohibition order searches being conducted at homes in Liverpool, Hinchinbrook, Fairfield, Austral and Wetherill Park on Monday.
Three men were arrested when search warrants were executed in Raby, Edensor Park and Picnic Point.
A 25-year-old man was arrested and taken to Campbelltown Police Station where he was charged with riot, and hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty.
Another 31-year-old man was also charged with riot, intimidate police officer during public disorder no actual bodily harm, and aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence, while a 40-year-old man was charged with aggravated break and enter with intent – in company – not steal, riot, throw missile at police officer at public disorder no actual bodily harm, and assault police officer during public disorder cause actual bodily harm.
The chaotic riot was sparked after Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was allegedly stabbed by a 16-year-old during a livestreamed service at the Wakeley church on April 15.
Fifty-one officers were injured while others were trapped inside the church for hours.
In the wake of the violent scenes, Ms Webb announced two strike forces had been established to not only investigate the stabbing in Wakeley’s Christ The Good Shepherd Church but also the riot.
She revealed one man, 19, who had been charged over his alleged role, was not even from the parish.
“That individual, while coming from the community, was not a member of that parish,” Ms Webb said.
“People just came along to participate in the riot – that’s disgraceful and disgusting.
“The sooner (these rioters) are put before the courts, the sooner they can be dealt with.”
