FIND THE ‘BRISTOL RIOT 10’
Suspects’ faces revealed
Ten protesters wanted over the riot in Bristol at the weekend were revealed by police last night.
CCTV footage of the suspects was disclosed as part of the criminal investigation following the violence which saw 21 officers injured.
Three police vans were burned out and another nine of the force’s vehicles were damaged after up to 500 members of an ‘extremist’ mob hijacked a peaceful protest.
Around 3,000 people had taken to the streets earlier in the day to rally against proposed legislation which would see police in england and Wales given extra enforcement powers over demonstrations.
The ‘ Kill the Bill’ protest descended into violence when a group marched on Bridewell police station intent on causing damage. Footage showed rioters smashing the station’s windows while other thugs spray painted obscenities on the building.
More than 100 videos have been sent to police to review. Another 100 body-worn police cameras have helped provide footage of the suspects. During the violence, police could been seen being pelted with stones, bottles and fireworks. An officer was admitted to hospital with a broken arm and another suffered a punctured lung after being stamped on by protesters.
Officers yesterday released images of the first ten suspects they want to identify.
Detective Chief Superintendent Carolyn Belafonte said: ‘The investigation into Sunday’s disgraceful scenes of violence will undoubtedly be one of the largest in Avon and Somerset Police’s history. We expect to release images of many more people in the coming days and ask anyone who recognises anyone to contact us.’
Police have arrested seven men between the ages of 20 and 44 over the riot, who have all been released under investigation. An eighth, Bradley edmonds, 28, appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court yesterday charged with possession of an offensive weapon.
edmonds, from Bristol, was accused of having a home-made spear. He denied the charge and will stand trial in June.
Chief Constable Andy Marsh said the demonstration had been ‘hijacked by ‘extremists’.
Bristol mayor Marvin Rees condemned the thuggery and said the disorder would be used to justify the Government’s legislation.
The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill gives officers more power to impose conditions on non-violent protests, such as noise limits. Those convicted under the legislation could face a fine or jail.
Up to 200 protesters gathered in Bristol city centre yesterday to demonstrate on behalf of travellers, who they said were unfairly treated by the Bill.