http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/police-warn-of-new-threats-of-riots/2005/12/16/1134703597549.htmlTwo men have appeared in court accused of making Molotov cocktails in Cronulla.There appearance comes as NSW’s police chief appealed to people to stay away from beaches in Sydney, Wollongong and Newcastle this weekend after credible threats of gang violence were received.
Matthew Lalor, 24, and Mark Miller, 33 were refused bail in Sutherland local court today after being arrested by Operation SETA officers, who allegedly found seven Molotov cocktails in a Cronulla apartment.
The pair’s lawyer told the court they admitted making the Molotov cocktails, they didn’t intend to use them.
The magistrate, Mr Ross Clugston, found that hard to accept and adjourned the case until next week.
Meanwhile, Police Commissioner Ken Moroney said visitors and locals would greatly help police by staying away from beaches this weekend.
He said intelligence received from the public indicated gangs would target Cronulla, Sydney’s eastern beaches, Wollongong, Newcastle, and some central coast beaches.
Police numbers would be further boosted – to 1,500 on Saturday and 2,000 on Sunday as a result, he said.
NSW Premier Morris Iemma warned troublemakers would face harsh penalties.
“Police will be using tough new powers that have been granted to them,” Mr Iemma told reporters.
He said road blocks would be in place at various locations to be advised.About 5,000 people converged on Sydney’s North Cronulla beach last Sunday sparking a race riot which led to further violence across the city’s beachside suburbs during the week.