Authorities took too long to get on top of disorder, say critics

The faces of nearly 3,000 London riots suspects wanted by the police can now be beamed straight to your mobile phone thanks to a new smartphone app.

The Metropolitan Police has released 2,880 images of as-yet-unidentified people caught on camera during the unrest last August - and is urging Londoners to download the Facewatch App to see if they can spot any familiar faces.

Mark Rowley, head of specialist crime and operations, said: “This is a great opportunity for the public to help us fight crime and bring those who remain outstanding to justice.

“My hope is that the two-thirds of Londoners who own smartphones will download this app, and help us identify people we still need to speak to.”

The app contains another 2,000 images relating to other crimes outside of the riots, such as shoplifting or anti-social behaviour.

On recognising an image, Facewatch users can confidentially submit the name or address of the person to police.

Det Ch Insp Mick Neville said: “We are committed to tracing those individuals we wish to speak with through CCTV and other forensic images.”

As well as being available on all computers at www.facewatchid.co.uk, the Facewatch app is free to download from the Apple App Store, Android Google Play and Blackberry App World.