Police release photos of 12 men as part of investigation into Sydney church riot

On Monday, the force released images of 12 men they want to question over the incident.

One man — of Caucasian appearance and wearing black jeans cut off at the ankle and a black shirt wrapped around his face — bears a distinctive tattoo of Jesus Christ on his stomach and a tattoo sleeve on his left arm.

Another is described as being of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance, with receding dark brown hair and a beard.

He is shown wearing a black jumper, grey pants, black shoes and carrying a grey shoulder bag.

Superintendent Andrew Evans said the 12 men in the images were wanted “due to the violent and aggressive nature of their actions”.

“We are doing everything we can to identify these men and are now appealing for public assistance,” he said.

“Someone in the community knows who they are.”

Faith leaders are calling for calm while police hope high-visibility patrols in the region quell

.

Dozens of officers have been assigned to investigate the riot, during which some of the crowd tried to gain access to the alleged attacker while he was being held inside the church.

SBS