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The violent scenes at the Bristol “Kill the Bill” protest, in which police officers were injured, vehicles burned and a police station attacked, have been widely condemned.
Many of those who attended the protest against government police, crime, sentencing and court bill on College Green they wore face masks and carried signs that read: “Say no to the UK police state”, “Freedom of protest is key to democracy” and “End the bill.”
But what started as a non-violent demonstration Sunday afternoon quickly turned violent after hundreds of protesters, some wearing masks, arrived at the New Bridewell police station and began destroying police property.
Two policemen were injured, suffered broken ribs and an arm, and were taken to hospital.
The protests began peacefully near College Green
A protester comes face to face with an officer in riot gear
Officers worked to disperse the crowd
The violence developed when rioters attempted to break through the windows of the New Bridewell Police Station.
A group also destroyed Avon and Somerset police vehicles parked nearby, setting fire to a car and a van, two of multiple vehicles that were attacked Sunday night.
Cars parked in a multi-story car park adjacent to the police station were also damaged by protesters.
Avon and Somerset Police said their officers were fired at missiles and fireworks and mounted officers and dogs were used to disperse the mob.
A protester kicks a broken window at Bridewell Police Station
Another breaks a window with a stick
Police detain a crowd outside the station
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Officers injured during violent clashes in Bristol
Secretary of the Interior Priti Patel he called the scenes “unacceptable” and said “violence and disorder” would never be tolerated.
Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees said he had “great concerns” about the bill, but condemned the violence, calling it an “embarrassing day in an incredible year for Bristol board“.
He added: “Destroying buildings in the center of our city, vandalizing vehicles, attacking our police will do nothing to decrease the likelihood that the bill will pass.
“On the contrary, the anarchy shown will be used as evidence and will further the necessity of the bill.”
Cars parked in a multi-story parking lot were damaged by protesters
A police officer with a police dog confronts angry protesters
Protesters stand near a burning police vehicle
A police van was set on fire after graffiti and windows were smashed.
Andy Roebuck, president of the Avon and Somerset Police Federation, said the “disgusting scenes” were performed by a “crowd of animals.”
He said: “Disgusting scenes in Bristol by a multitude of animals that are injuring police officers, members of the public and damaging property.”
“We have officers with suspected broken arms and ribs.
“This is so wrong.”
A protester defaces a police vehicle
Interior Minister Priti Patel described the scenes as ‘violence and disorder’
The officers were attacked with some broken bones. Photo: Dan Whitehead
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.
Those convicted under the proposed legislation could face a fine or prison.
