Protest to mark two years since Bristol Kill The Bill riot
Disruption is possible around the Bear Pit this evening
A protest will be held in the centre of Bristol tonight to mark two years since a Kill The Bill demonstration in the city descended into a riot.
Demonstrators are due to gather at the Bear Pit at 5:30pm against the Police and Crime Bill which many argue limits the right to protest.
They will then march to Bridewell Police Station to demonstrate against the imprisonment of more than 30 people, who have been convicted of rioting during the original protest in March 2021.
In a post on Twitter a group called Justice for the Bristol Protestors says they will gather "against police violence".
The riot
The original demonstration, on Sunday 21 March, 2021, started peacefully with a march through the centre of Bristol attended by thousands of people.
However, as darkness fell a group began to gather outside Bridewell Police Station, the mood became confrontational with riot police holding the crowd back and projectiles began to be thrown.
Shortly after 8pm protestors began smashing up the front of the police station and police vehicles outside were set on fire.
By the next morning the surrounding roads were covered in shattered glass and the burnt out remains of several police vehicles sat covered in graffiti.
Avon and Somerset Police reported dozens of their officers were injured and claimed two suffered broken bones, though this statement was later retracted.
The aftermath
Following that night of violence many follow up protests were held, some of which also descended into violence, but at these it was police conduct which came under question.
The following Tuesday a peaceful protest on College Green was forcibly broken up by officers in riot gear, with footage showing some being pushed and pulled by police while sat on the ground, one by their hair.
Officers were also caught on camera walking over a memorial to Sarah Everard, with a vigil to her having been held just a few days before in London.
The police later justified their actions by pointing out that coronavirus rules meant such gatherings were illegal, but then the following Friday during another demonstration officers were recorded pushing a journalist and hitting him with a baton as he shouted that he was a member of the press.
Similar incidents happened involving three other journalists, for which Avon and Somerset Police later apologised.
Criminal proceedings
Following the riot on 21 March, Avon and Somerset Police began their largest ever operation to catch those responsible for the violence.
To date 32 people have been jailed for their involvement, for a combined total of almost 100 years in prison.
The latest, 26-year-old Carl Davis from St Werburgh's, admitted rioting and was sentenced to two years and six months behind bars.
Tonight's event
In a statement Avon and Somerset Police say there may be some disruption in Bristol city centre.
"Our priority will be to facilitate peaceful protest, while also protecting the rights of people who live, work and travel in the city," it reads.
"We'll have officers in the city centre to engage with those attending the protests, as well as other members of the public.
"Due to the potential for disruption affecting access to Bridewell Police Station, we'd like to make people aware the enquiry office will shut early at 5pm..."