PM condemns ‘Kill the Bill’ violence
PRIME Minister Boris Johnson has condemned the scenes that marred a “Kill the Bill” protest in Bristol, which saw a police station attacked, officers injured and vehicles set alight, as “unacceptable”.
Police said seven people had been arrested, six for violent disorder and a seventh for possession of an offensive weapon, following Sunday night’s riot.
Twenty police officers were injured, two seriously, when what started as a peaceful demonstration turned violent after about 500 protesters descended on the New Bridewell police station.
Speaking to broadcasters at BAE Systems in Preston, Mr Johnson said: “I think all that kind of thing is unacceptable and the people obviously have a right to protest in this country. But they should protest peacefully and legally.”
Two of those injured were treated in hospital after suffering a punctured lung and broken ribs, and a fractured arm, respectively. Both have since been discharged.
Police said between 2,000 and 3,000 people had gathered at College Green on Sunday to protest against the Government’s Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill,
which will see the police handed new powers to tackle demonstrations.
Andy Marsh, chief constable of Avon and Somerset Police, said the demonstration had been “hijacked” by “extremists”.
“I believe the events of (Sunday) were hijacked by extremists, people who were determined to commit criminal damage, to generate very negative sentiment about policing and to assault our brave officers,” he said. “From the initial gathering of around 2,000 to 3,000, which was more than we anticipated, there were about 50 officers engaging with those present and encouraging them to disperse.
“There was a hardcore of serious criminals hidden within those 3,000 people – perhaps 400 or 500 people – and we certainly didn’t trigger this. The officers were incredibly patient, incredibly professional and I pay tribute to them.”
Mr Marsh said 12 police vehicles were damaged, including two that were set on fire, and “significant damage” was caused to the New Bridewell police station.
“I’m incredibly saddened by the dreadful scenes we saw here,” he said.
“Officers were pelted with stones and missiles and fireworks and it was a terrifying situation for them to deal with.”
The chief constable said there had been no prior intelligence to suggest any disorder was planned on the scale seen.
Bristol mayor Marvin Rees, who said he had “major concerns” about the Government’s Bill, condemned the thuggery but said the disorder would be used to justify the legislation.
“It’s selfish, it is self-indulgent and selfcentred activity – people living out their revolutionary fantasies,” he said. “The violence that happened (on Sunday) night goes nowhere to actually reducing the likelihood of this Bill winning support. In fact, it does quite the contrary.”