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Protesters have clashed with police in Bristol after thousands gathered to protest a controversial police bill.
Crowds of people gathered on College Green in the city center before marching to a police station on nearby Bridewell Street on Saturday.
Police said the demonstration began peacefully but turned violent when a “small minority” attacked the building and several police vehicles.
Two policemen were taken to the hospital with broken bones and two marked police vans were set on fire.
Other images showed the launching of fireworks and rioters attempting to smash the windows of the police station as mounted officers fanned out to disperse the large crowd.
Home Secretary Priti Patel described the violence as “unacceptable.” She tweeted: “The killing and disorder of a minority will never be tolerated. Our cops put themselves in danger to protect us all. My thoughts tonight are with the wounded policemen.
Andy Roebuck, president of the Avon and Somerset Police Federation, described the protesters as a “crowd of animals.”
He wrote on Twitter: “Disgusting scenes in Bristol by a mob of animals that are injuring police officers, members of the public and damaging property. We have officers with alleged broken arms and ribs. This is so wrong.”
Avon and Somerset police said two officers had been taken to hospital with a broken arm and broken ribs.
Chief Superintendent Will White said: “What began as a peaceful protest has been turned by a small minority into a violent disorder.
“These scenes are absolutely embarrassing and will be widely condemned by people across the city. There can never be an excuse for rampant disorder.
“Officers have been subjected to considerable levels of abuse and violence. These are men and women with the intention of serving and protecting the public; they should never be subjected to assault or abuse in this way.
(REUTERS)
“At least two police vehicles have been set on fire and damage has been done to the outside of the station. The protesters are not inside the building. We have requested mutual assistance from neighboring forces to bring this incident to a safe conclusion.
“All those involved in this criminal behavior will be identified and brought to justice. There will be significant consequences for behavior like this. “
The police, crime, sentencing and court bill would give the police in England and Wales more power to impose conditions on non-violent protests, including those deemed too loud or disruptive.
(REUTERS)
Those convicted under the proposed legislation could face a fine or prison.
Mass gatherings are currently prohibited by coronavirus legislation and anyone who violates the regulations could be fined.
On Saturday, many protesters wore masks and carried signs that read: “Say no to the UK police state”, “Freedom to protest is essential for democracy” and “End the bill”.
Police detain people outside Bridewell police station as they participate in a ‘Kill the Bill’ protest in Bristol
(Andrew Matthews / PA)
Avon and Somerset police had urged people not to attend the rally, warning that steps could be taken to enforce the law.
Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees said he had “great concerns” about the surveillance bill, but condemned the violence at the protest as “unacceptable.”
He added: “The violence and damage that have emerged from today’s protests are unacceptable and have nothing to do with the actual work we are doing to address political, economic and social inequality.
“What they have done has more to do with self-gratification than with the protection and advancement of those of us from the communities most likely to be marginalized and mistreated by our political and legal systems.
“Breaking down buildings, injuring police officers and burning cars will do nothing to help children experiencing digital exclusion, or women, men and children seeking refuge from domestic violence and abuse.”
Additional PA reports
