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Shameful scenes erupted when a demonstration against plans to give the police more powers to deal with peaceful protests turned into violence.
The ‘Kill the Bill’ demonstration in Bristol saw a police station attacked, officers suffered alleged broken bones and several police vehicles set on fire by violent thugs.
What started as a non-violent demonstration downtown against the government’s police, crime, sentencing and court bill quickly turned ugly after hundreds of protesters marched from College Green to the New York Police Station. Bridewell.
Its windows were smashed by a skateboard, while a nearby police van was painted and set on fire.
Uniformed officers, wearing riot shields, tackled the blaze.
A short time later, rioters destroyed a mobile police station van that had been parked on a nearby side street by setting it on fire.
Police said missiles, including fireworks, had been thrown at them and verbally abused. Mounted officers were forced to intervene to disperse the large crowd.
The Avon and Somerset Police Federation said several officers were injured, some of whom were suspected of having broken arms and ribs.
Its president, Andy Roebuck, described the culprits as “a mob of animals.”
The Police, Crimes, Sentencing and Courts 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.
Sky News correspondent Dan Whitehead, outside the police station, said there were no signs that the protest would end “any time soon.”
He said several protesters remained at the police station and around 800-1,000 in total were still on the streets.
He added: “I am standing next to a whole row of police officers in riot shields, some splattered with graffiti, anti-police words all over their riot shields.
Fireworks were fired as anger boiled over, police said
“There is a lot of broken glass everywhere, fireworks exploded in the street and you can see the smoke coming from the police van that caught fire outside the police station.
“This is a very serious situation that has caused police officers to be injured and the windows of the police station smashed.
“This is far from over.”
Mass gatherings are currently prohibited under the coronavirus legislation and anyone who violates the regulations could be fined.
Many protesters wore face masks and banners that included slogans such as “say no to the UK police state” and “freedom to protest is essential for democracy” and “End the bill”.
Roebuck said: “Disgusting scenes in Bristol by a multitude of animals that are injuring police officers, members of the public and damaging property.”
“Avon and the Somerset Police Federation are attending stations to support officers. We have officers with suspected broken arms and ribs. This is very wrong.”
Meanwhile, John Apter, national president of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said the scenes were “horrendous”.
He added: “This is not a protest, it is just senseless violence. The thoughts are with my colleagues.”
Avon and Somerset police had urged people not to attend the rally, warning that steps could be taken to enforce the law.
A spokesman said: “The officers have been thrown projectiles, including a firework, and have suffered verbal abuse.”
“This is unacceptable behavior and those responsible for the crimes will be identified and brought to justice.”
