THOUSANDS more people could face police action for criminal behaviour linked to the Union flag protests in Northern Ireland, a senior detective has warned.
Police pledged to hunt those responsible as it emerged commanders are in discussions with the body that adjudicates on contentious parades.
If the Parades Commission says a flag demonstration on Saturdays in Belfast comes under its remit, it could limit the route.
Since violence erupted in December – when Belfast City Council voted to limit the number of days the flag flies over City Hall – 174 people have been arrested and 124 have been charged.
Detective Superintendent Sean Wright said: "We have hundreds of hours of evidence. I expect we will have many arrests to come."
Asked if thousands of people could be involved in a variety of offences, Mr Wright replied: "Potentially."
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