BLAZING FURY
Up to six police ‘seriously hurt’ as demo over right to protest peacefully turns into a riot
PROtesteRs claiming to protect the right to demonstrate peacefully resorted to violence yesterday.
As many as six Bristol officers were seriously injured, some suffering broken bones, and police vans were torched.
thousands of activists had gathered in the city centre for the ‘Kill the Bill’ demonstration to oppose plans to give police more powers to deal with non-violent protests.
But footage captured the descent into anarchy as protesters clashed with police armed with batons and pepper spray.
Mounted officers were seen attempting to disperse a large crowd gathered outside Bridewell Police station.
Later a group of hooded protesters tried to smash the windows of the glass-fronted building and another mob set fire to a police van parked in nearby Bridewell street.
in other scenes, officers with police dogs were seen attempting to hold back large crowds as demonstrators scaled the walls of the police station and threw fireworks.
Other videos and pictures on social media showed dozens of officers in riot gear guarding the entrance to the station and protesters trying to roll a police van daubed with graffiti.
Chief superintendent Will White of Avon and somerset Police said: ‘What started out as a peaceful protest has been turned by a small minority into violent disorder.
‘Officers have been subjected to considerable levels of abuse and violence. One suffered a broken arm and another suffered broken ribs. Both have been taken to hospital. At least two police vehicles have been set on fire and damage has been caused to the outside of the station.’
He added: ‘We have requested mutual aid from neighbouring forces to bring this incident to a safe conclusion.’
Andy Roebuck, chairman of the Avon and somerset Police Federation, told the BBC: ‘this is the worst violence in Bristol for many, many years. it’s really unprecedented violence. Between four and six or possibly more officers are seriously injured and some have broken bones. no one had any indication it would erupt this way.’
the Police, Crime, sentencing and Courts Bill, introduced to the Commons this month, would give officers in england and Wales more power to impose conditions on nonviolent protests, including those deemed too noisy or a nuisance.
those convicted under the proposed legislation could face a fine or jail. the Bristol protesters were carrying signs reading ‘say no to UK police state’ and ‘freedom to protest is fundamental’.
Police had advised people not to attend the protest due to coronavirus legislation, which bans mass gatherings.
Home secretary Priti Patel tweeted last night: ‘Unacceptable scenes in Bristol tonight. thuggery and disorder by a minority will never be tolerated.
‘My thoughts this evening are with those police officers injured.’