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CrimeStoppers joins search for hooligans

Tale of the tape: One of the alleged hooligans involved in last week's soccer violence.

CrimeStoppers has released a series of photographs depicting the mindless hooligans who went on a rampage with a variety of weapons at a football match last week.

The crime-fighting agency is working with Police and the Bermuda Football Association (BFA) in a bid to track down the thugs who stormed the soccer field brandishing weapons at the Devonshire Recreation Club on Tuesday of last week.

A machete, Samurai sword, hammers, knives and other potentially fatal implements were among the items spectators reported seeing during the ugly incident as one gang is said to have chased another.

And one of the people being sought in connection with last week's Martonmere Cup semi-final is believed to be a registered footballer.

Yesterday, The Royal Gazette reported how one 18-year-old Pembroke youth had already turned himself in to Police and was being questioned by officers.

And last night, an appeal was made for others to come forward, or for members of the public who recognised suspects to get in touch.

CrimeStoppers co-ordinator Alex McDonald said: "CrimeStoppers would like your assistance in identifying the individuals in these photographs.

"Football is about sport, not violence. Do not allow individuals such as these to disrupt our national sport. Stop criminals from disrupting our community."

Calvin Smith, who is chairman of the BFA's security and safety committee, said it was important that anyone who recognised one of the thugs in the pictures contacted either Police or CrimeStoppers straight away.

He said: "We want to thank all of the stakeholders concerned in our efforts to try to rid the scourge of hooliganism, which is bringing a bad name, not only to the Island, but to our national sport.

"The BFA is determined to bring the game of football to its former glory. We encourage all of our spectators, young and old, to get up and make a stand against such mindless violence."

And Police spokesman Dwayne Caines reminded members of the public that they could offer information on the identity of the men in the pictures anonymously by contacting CrimeStoppers.

He said: "We want to send a message that hooliganism in local sports will not be tolerated and it will be rooted out.

"The sport and the community has adopted zero tolerance to anyone who cannot behave in a manner conforming to family values. We stand firmly behind the BFA in making sure football remains a sport for all."

Mr.Caines thanked everyone who had already called with information about the incident, but urged others to contact either CrimeStoppers on 1-800-623-8477, or Inspector Craig Morfitt on 295-0011.