NSW: Iemma pleased by revenge attack arrests

AAP General News (Australia)
02-10-2006
NSW: Iemma pleased by revenge attack arrests

CANBERRA, Feb 10 AAP - Today's arrests over the revenge attacks that followed Sydney's
Cronulla riot are the result of the extra powers and resources given to police, NSW Premier
Morris Iemma says.

Police today announced that eight males, aged between 16 and 21, had been arrested
over the violence at the beachside suburb of Maroubra on December 11.

More than 50 officers went to 10 homes simultaneously in Yagoona, Riverwood, Punchbowl,
Greenacre and Bankstown in Sydney's west early today .

All eight arrested were to be charged with riot and affray, police said in a statement.

Mr Iemma said he was pleased by the arrests, which reflected the government's continuing
support for police through extra powers and more resources.

"It's further evidence the fight goes on," Mr Iemma told reporters in Canberra.

"I've said all along this is going to be a long term fight to retake control of the
streets and bring all of the perpetrators to justice.

"I'm very pleased with this breakthrough and the police have our continuing support
in their efforts to bring all of the perpetrators to justice."

Police said four of those arrested were juveniles.

They were allegedly in a convoy of cars that drove from Punchbowl Park to Maroubra
after 8.30pm on December 11 for retaliatory attacks following the Cronulla riot earlier
that day.

They were allegedly part of a large group of people of Middle Eastern appearance who
went to Maroubra, armed with baseball bats and iron bars.

They are accused of smashing more than 50 vehicles on Malabar Rd and Marine Parade
and attacking and threatening bystanders.

AAP db/sb/lb/de

KEYWORD: SURF ENOGGERA IEMMA

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