CCTV: Police release pictures of unofficial Mobo party violence suspects

Detectives have released CCTV images of five men they want to trace after a bust-up at an unofficial after-party of the MOBO awards.
Five men detectives are trying to identify after violent disorder at a Leeds barFive men detectives are trying to identify after violent disorder at a Leeds bar
Five men detectives are trying to identify after violent disorder at a Leeds bar

The celebrations which followed the awards at the First Direct Arena, were marred around 2.45am at Bar Soba, in Merrion Street, when an unidentified man was assaulted.

Other men then started to throw glasses and furniture around the bar.

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CCTV shows people were struck by flying bottles and furniture. The bar was also damaged.

Footage showed people fleeing in fear while staff were forced to retreat to safety.

Police say they are treating the incident as one of violent disorder and believe the five men will be easily identifiable from the images.

Detective Inspector Mark Atkinson, of Leeds District CID, urged anyone who recognises the men to get in touch.

No one has reported being assaulted.

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He said: “These were some very ugly scenes that marred what had otherwise been a night of celebration for the majority of people who attended this event.

“We are treating the incident as an offence of violent disorder and are carrying out extensive enquiries to trace those responsible.

“We have spent a considerable amount of time analysing CCTV footage from that night and have produced images of five men who we believe were linked to the disorder.

“We are aware from witnesses that people had travelled to Leeds from across the UK and so our suspects could potentially be from anywhere.

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“The images are very clear and these men will be identifiable to anyone who knows them.”

They have also spoken to a number of witnesses but want to hear from anyone who was at the event and saw what happened.