Officers hurt at Bristol 'KillTheBill' demo as Home Secretary blasts 'thuggery and disorder by a minority'

Two officers have been taken to hospital with broken bones.

Fireworks were thrown and police vehicles have been set on fire.

Neighbouring forces have been called in to help.

The chairman of the Avon and Somerset Police Federation has described those responsible as a 'mob of animals' and fear officers have 'broken bones'.

Home Secretary Priti Patel tweeted: "Unacceptable scenes in Bristol tonight.

"Thuggery and disorder by a minority will never be tolerated.

"Our police officers put themselves in harms way to protect us all.

"My thoughts this evening are with those police officers injured.

A spokesperson for Avon & Somerset Police said: "A police operation is underway to deal with a significant disorder in Bristol city centre.

"Following a protest held earlier today, several hundred people congregated outside Bridewell police station in Bridewell Street, Bristol, during the afternoon."

Ch Supt Will White, Gold commander, added: "What started out as a peaceful protest has been turned by a small minority into a violent disorder.

"These scenes are absolutely disgraceful and they will be widely condemned by people across the city. There can never be any excuse for wanton 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. These are men and women out there with the intention of serving and protecting the public – they should never be subjected to assaults or abuse in this way.

"At least two police vehicles have been set on fire and damage has been caused to the outside of the station. Protestors are not inside the building.

“We have requested mutual aid from neighbouring forces to bring this incident to a safe conclusion.

“All those involved in this criminal behaviour will be identified and brought to justice. There will be significant consequences for behaviour such as this."

Mayor Marvin Rees has just posted this statement: "The violence and damage that have emerged from today’s protests are unacceptable and have nothing to do with the real work we are doing to tackle political, economic and social inequality.

"I recognise the frustrations with the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill. I have major concerns about the Bill myself, which is poorly thought-out and could impose disproportionate controls on free expression and the right to peaceful protest. It also misses as much as it includes, such as measures that could reduce violence against women and girls. We will raise our concerns.

"Smashing buildings in our city centre, vandalising vehicles, attacking our police will do nothing to lessen the likelihood of the Bill going through. On the contrary, the lawlessness on show will be used as evidence and promote the need for the Bill.

"This is a shameful day in an incredible year for Bristol. We have faced times of great confrontation particularly surrounding Black Lives Matter and the events that followed. We have had numerous protests. Our police, city representatives and I have been able to point out with pride that we have faced these moment of conflict without the physical conflict that others have experienced. Those who decided to turn today's protest into a physical confrontation and smash our city have robbed us of this.

"What they have done has more to do with self gratification than it has to do with the protection and advancement of those of us from communities most likely to be marginalised and mistreated by our political and legal systems. For five years Bristol has built homes, fed its families, prioritised mental health, recruited black and Asian Magistrates, organised work experience for our young people who are least likely to be able to get it, we have addressed poverty and introduced a whole new city approach to welcome in and support refugees and asylum seekers. That's what matters, That is what makes difference. Smashing buildings, injuring police officers and burning cars will do nothing to support the children experiencing digital exclusion, or the women, men and children looking for refuge from domestic violence and abuse.

"Speaking as someone himself - and whose brothers and sisters, along with our poorest communities - would be disproportionately likely to receive injustice, today’s actions do nothing to bring us closer to justice. In fact, by to the evidence that will be used to support the Bill its makes us less safe"

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