[ad_1]
Eggs and glass bottles were thrown at officers during a third “Kill the Bill” demonstration in Bristol, and police said protesters lit their faces with lasers.
More than 1,000 people were demonstrating in the city center, but tensions rose at 10 p.m. last night when officers wearing helmets and shields began calling on the crowd to disperse.
Half an hour later, Avon and Somerset police confirmed that arrests had been made, with the force warning: “We will not tolerate violent disorder.”
A large police presence was on duty throughout the night, with dogs and horses used to push back crowds.
And as midnight approached, the force confirmed that a “large number of people” remained at the scene, tweeting that its officers have the ability to use reasonable force to prevent crime, protect people and property. “
They added: “We do not want to use force but we have a duty to enforce the law.”
‘We will not tolerate disorder of violence,’ says the force
Protesters could be heard chanting “Justice for Sarah” and “Who are you protecting?”, And some of those present were seen dancing to music despite heavy rain.
A large police presence was on duty throughout the night, with horses and dogs used to help drive the crowd back.
Tensions escalated as police wearing helmets and shields began asking the crowd to disperse.
Rows of officers and vans were used to block protesters from the Bridewell police station, where several police vehicles had been set ablaze during violent scenes last Sunday.
Officials had previously urged people not to attend last night’s rally due to the risk of spreading COVID-19.
As midnight approached, a ‘large number of people’ remained at the scene.
Friday’s protest, which was against the government’s Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts bill, had begun peacefully, and the size of the crowd grew as the night progressed.
The 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.
Several arrests have been made, Avon and Somerset police said.
Those convicted under the proposed legislation could face a fine or jail time.
Nine people were arrested in connection with the disorder last Sunday in Bristol, while another 15 were detained after a second protest Tuesday night.
Earlier on Friday, the National Police Chiefs Council had warned that violent protesters “will face the full weight of the law.”
Martin Hewitt added: “I would ask people planning to protest this weekend to think carefully and consider whether to join a big gathering outside, in the middle of a pandemic, and potentially be close to the scene of violence as we saw the end of last week, it’s something that’s safe for them as individuals. “
He also claimed that several people who attended the demonstration had “the intention of causing violence and causing harm”, and those arrested came from “all over the UK”.
Hewitt went on to confirm that one of those who has been jailed in the aftermath of last Sunday’s riots was someone who was already out on bail for assaulting police officers.
