Police officers injured as 'Kill the Bill' protests in Bristol turn violent
Emergency vehicles were set on fire and police station windows were smashed during action against the Police, Crime and Sentencing Bill
Last updated 22nd Mar 2021
Twenty police officers were injured and seven arrests made after a night of violent protests in Bristol.
On Sunday evening (21st March), campaigners were demonstrating against the new Police, Crime and Sentencing Bill, saying it undermines their right to peaceful protest.
However, the action turned violent and neighbouring forces were drafted in as officers from Avon and Somerset Police battled to keep the crowds under control.
Fireworks were thrown and police vehicles were set on fire as several hundred people congregated outside Bridewell police station.
Our reporter, James Diamond, was at the scene:
Police chief described the scenes in Bristol as "disgraceful"
Chief Superintendent Will White, Gold commander, said: “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."
Meanwhile, a joint statement from Chief Constable Andy Marsh and PCC Sue Mountstevens on Monday morning said that 20 officers were assaulted or injured, with two taken to hospital to treat broken bones.
The statement also confirmed that "seven arrests were made – six for violent disorder and one for possession of an offensive weapon – and a full investigation is now underway."
Both Mr Marsh and Ms Mountstevens condemned the violent scenes, with the Chief Constable adding "the wanton violence and destruction had nothing to do with protest - it was committed by those looking for an excuse to commit disorder."
Officials have condemned the violence
The violence has triggered anger from officials and police forces across the UK.
The chairman of the Avon and Somerset Police Federation has described those responsible as a "mob of animals".
Meanwhile, the 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 statement from the Mayor of Bristol:
Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees, posted the following 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."