Protest in Bristol: violent clashes as riot police march on ‘Kill the Bill’ protesters

Violent clashes have occurred in Bristol when police arrest protesters in the city.

Shocking footage showed police beating a protester with riot shields before an officer dragged him away.

The officers in helmets and shields moved into the crowd after 10 p.m., after asking the crowd to disperse.

In response, protesters could be heard asking the crowd to sit on the street in front of the police.

Riot police, backed by mounted units and police dogs, pressed the crowd with shouts of “go ahead.”

Some protesters responded with fury and began throwing bottles at police lines as skirmishes broke out in the crowd.

The crowd chanted “what a shame” and “fuck the police” as they were pushed back.

Journalist Georgiana Scott said the officers “charged” the reporters and “beat” them with their shields.

Avon and Somerset Police said arrests were made at the protest.

The force tweeted: “Projectiles, including eggs and glass bottles, are being fired at the officers.

“The protesters are also pulling at the officers’ shields while their faces are illuminated with lasers.

“We will not tolerate violent disorder. Arrests have been made.”

The clashes came after large crowds gathered on Bristol’s College Green in the afternoon to demonstrate against the government’s Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts bill, before launching a march.

As it got dark and it began to rain, hundreds of people sat on the street near the Bridewell Police Station, where a police van was set on fire Sunday.

Officers formed a “ring of steel” around the Bridewell Police Station in the city center as darkness fell after it was besieged by rioters during the first protest.

Many of the protesters held daffodils while chanting “We are peaceful, what are you?” in the police.

The crowd also yelled “where is your broken arm?” On the thin blue line, in reference to Avon and Somerset Police admitting that no officers suffered bone fractures, despite their initial claims.

Other protesters could be heard chanting “Who are you protecting?” and “Justice for Sarah”.