Media challenge PSNI's 12 July legal bid

Belfast - Violence on 11-12 July

Journalists could be seen to be police evidence gatherers if they are forced to hand over unseen footage of last month's rioting in Belfast, a court heard today.

Lawyers for news organisations resisting the PSNI's legal bid to compel them to produce unbroadcast and unedited material claimed it could have a 'chilling effect', with a heightened risk to the safety of camera crews and reporters.

Opposition was set out as a judge was told material released by the media following a similar application after disorder last summer was crucial in 15 successful prosecutions.

Police are seeking footage and photographs from broadcasters and news agencies of the violence in parts of north and west Belfast on 11-12 July.

Hijacked vehicles were set on fire and thousands of pounds worth of damage caused to property during the rioting.

More than 40 officers were injured as mobs attacked police lines with petrol bombs and other missiles.

The case centres on competing claims between the public interest in convicting the troublemakers and the threat to the freedom of the press.