Violence seen at Bristol protests 'totally unacceptable' and 'not welcome' at G7 in Cornwall
The Police Commander for Cornwall has issued a warning ahead of the summit in June
The Police Commander for Cornwall says violent protests, like those recently seen in Bristol, won't be acceptable in Cornwall during G7.
Chief Superintendent Jim Pearce issued the warning during a Q&A about the summit.
Locals were invited to submit their questions during Thursday's event on Facebook Live.
One asked if Devon and Cornwall Police were anticipating any major protests and what precautions or deterrents would be used to prevent these.
Officers responded by saying that although protests were expected and peaceful action would be facilitated, violence would not be welcome.
"As I said in my introduction, we are expecting protests as would be usual for an event of this size and impact. People protest is a right that, within a democratic society. is expected and the police will facilitate peaceful protest. Protestors will generally be well organised and they will go to the protest sites and we are, at this moment in time, working with a range of partners to identify where those sites may well be, close to the key venues.
"I do recognise, however, particularly in light to the recent events in Bristol over the weekend, that there may well be some concern around violence and disorder and the types of disruption that we saw there which is just totally unacceptable and is not welcome within the county.
"We have a significant and well-skilled public order command which will have resources associated to that and they will do everything within their capabilities to not allow that to happen and I'm really, really confident that will be the case.
"But as I say I will go back to the fact that protest is a right within a democratic society and so should it be; people should be allowed to have a voice and to share their views. But it should be done in an organised and a peaceful way".
Chief Superintendent Jim Pearce
Chief Inspector Russ Dawe added: "Wherever possible we'll facilitate peaceful protest, peaceful lawful protest, but what we can't allow is protest that places the protestors themselves, the public, the wider public or our communities at any risk.
"So like the boss says, please engage with us. If you are contemplating protesting, then please link in with Devon and Cornwall Police and we'll support you - we'll facilitate thjat protest wherever possible and that will be my plea to all the groups out there.
"Engage with us at an early stage and we'll be there to help you facilitate".
Chief Inspector Russ Dawe
You can watch the full Q&A below...