Police hunt 22 men after large-scale fight

Steve Jones
BBC News, Yorkshire
Oli Constable A police officer stands next to a police car and tape at the scene on Woodburn Road. Forensic officers can be seen in the background.Oli Constable
Police say their investigation is "moving at pace"

Police have released images of 22 men they want to trace after a large-scale fight in Sheffield.

The disorder took place on Woodbourn Road on 25 May last year, South Yorkshire Police said.

A force spokesperson said officers believed it involved two groups from the Eritrean community, with one faction supportive of Eritrean independence and the other in opposition.

Eighteen people have so far been charged with offences including violent disorder, possession of an offensive weapon and wounding, they added.

Handout CCTV photos of eight of the men police want to trace.Handout
Eighteen people have so far been charged in connection with the fight

According to police, the group opposing independence travelled into the area to target an Eritrean Independence Day celebration taking place at the Pakistan Muslim Centre.

A group of about 200 people gathered at the location, where violence involving weapons erupted both inside and outside the centre and on the surrounding streets.

The centre was damaged along with vehicles parked nearby.

Handout CCTV images of another eight men police want to trace.Handout
Multiple people were injured in the fight, according to police

The spokesperson said "multiple" people were injured, including some seriously who required hospital treatment.

Det Insp Lee Wilson said the force's investigation had been "moving at pace".

"We will continue our inquiries until we have brought the people responsible before the courts, to be held accountable for their actions," he added.

Handout CCTV images of another six men police want to trace.Handout
Pro and anti Eritrean independence groups are said to have clashed

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North