Police appeal for help identifying nine men after Wakeley riot

Carla Mascarenhas
May 7 2024 - 11:03am
Some of the men police are seeking to identify as part of Strike Force Dribs investigating the Wakeley riot on April 15. Pictures supplied by NSW Police
Some of the men police are seeking to identify as part of Strike Force Dribs investigating the Wakeley riot on April 15. Pictures supplied by NSW Police

Police have released the images of nine men they want to identify as part of investigations into a riot outside a Sydney church on April 15.

The violent scenes which unfolded after the alleged stabbing of Assyrian Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel during a livestreamed sermon saw police officers injured and police cars smashed as thousands gathered outside Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley.

A 19-year-old has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including riot and affray, following the stabbing of a religious leader in Wakeley.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said two officers were seriously injured, one with a broken jaw, after the crowd "turned on police" who were called to respond to the alleged stabbing.

"People used what was available to them in the area including bricks, concrete, palings, to assault police and throw missiles at police," she said following the incident.

Some of those who flocked to the church had gone to support its parishioners, but many others had attended "for the wrong reasons", say police.

Images of the nine men police are attempting to identify. Pictures supplied by NSW Police
Images of the nine men police are attempting to identify. Pictures supplied by NSW Police

To date, 14 men have been charged over their alleged involvement in the incident. All 14 men remain before the courts.

Faith leaders have called for calm following the church attack, which was followed by threats on Islamic places of worship.

More than 50 officers have been assigned to investigate the riot, during which emergency services personnel were pelted with projectiles such as bricks and fence palings.

Police continue to comb through 25 days' worth of video filmed during the riot, much of which was shared on social media.

A 16-year-old boy has been charged with a terrorism offence over the alleged stabbing.

  • 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.
Carla Mascarenhas

Carla Mascarenhas is the NSW correspondent covering breaking news, state politics and investigations. She is based in Sydney. Contact her on carla.mascarenhas@austcommunitymedia.com.au