Fourteen arrested as police break up another Bristol protest
Around 200 people gathered on College Green to protest the Police and Crime Bill again
Fourteen people were arrested overnight as police broke up another protest on College Green in Bristol.
Around 200 people gathered to protest the Police and Crime Bill again, just two days after Sunday's violence.
Avon and Somerset Police say they asked for help from officers in Wiltshire, Dorset and Devon and Cornwall among other places, with riot police arriving on the scene at around 10pm.
A statement from the police says dog units, horses, the National Police Air Service and a police drone unit were also involved.
"While many left the area, a significant number gathered on Deanery Road and refused to disperse," the statement reads.
Chief Superintendent Claire Armes said: “Officers had engaged with protestors and asked them to disperse, but tents and a sound system were set up so it was abundantly clear they were intent on remaining at the location, in spite of legislation in place to protect public health.
“After the scenes of violence witnessed in the city at the weekend it was necessary to bring in additional resources from our neighbouring forces to ensure the protest was safely brought to a swift conclusion.
“Throughout the operation officers continued to urge protestors to move on – at no time were they contained – but there came a time when enforcement was necessary as gatherings are still not permitted.”
Ch Supt Armes added: “It’s disappointing that officers needed to take this action on a day we should be remembering all those who’ve lost their lives to COVID-19 over the past year.
“The communities of Bristol have made too many sacrifices and worked so hard to defeat this virus, it’s unacceptable for people to insult their efforts in this way.”
Footage shared on social media shows police in riot gear forcing people out of the area, with one man urging an officer to "stop the violence".
It all comes after 21 officers were injured and several police vehicles burnt out on Sunday, when another protest against the Police and Crime Bill turned violent.
A major investigation is now underway to identify those responsible. One of those arrested last night was detained in connection with Sunday's events.