Priti Patel condemns ‘thuggery’ as Bristol ‘Kill the Bill’ protest turns violent with 20 police officers assaulted

One officer remains in hospital with ‘broken bones and a punctured lung’

Home Secretary Priti Patel has slammed “unacceptable” scenes in Bristol after a ‘Kill the Bill’ protest turned violent with activists smashing the glass window of a police station, setting a riot van on fire, and assaulting 20 officers.

Two officers were taken to hospital after suffering broken bones. As of Monday morning, one officer remains in hospital with “broken bones and a punctured lung”, Avon and Somerset police said.

In a statement Ms Patel said “thuggery and disorder” would never be tolerated.

Bristol mayor Marvin Rees, who said he had “major concerns” about the Government’s Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, also condemned the thuggery but said the disorder would be used to justify the legislation.

It came after a largely peaceful protest had turned into a night of violence as several hooded protesters kicked in the glass windows of Bridewell police station in Bristol to cheers of the crowd as officers regrouped inside.

Kill the Bill protest
Police regrouped inside the building
PA

Others climbed on to the roof scrawling ‘f*** the police’ in graffiti on the side of the building after officers suffered “suspected broken arms and ribs” in skirmishes across the city.

Police dogs were used to keep some at bay as fireworks were aimed at the crowds. Others tried to set fire to a police van’s tyres before it was extinguished by riot cops.

A skateboarder completes a trick in front of a burning police van
Reuters

Another van, left unattended by police, was later set on fire by the group. Seven arrests were made - six for violent disorder and one for possession of an offensive weapon.

Chief Constable Andy Marsh said: “Let’s be clear, the wanton violence and destruction had nothing to do with protest – it was committed by those looking for an excuse to commit disorder."

He added that there was no intelligence that the disorder was planned “on this scale.”

Protest against new proposed policing bill, in Bristol
Demonstrators throw objects after climbing a police station
REUTERS

In a statement on Twitter on Monday morning Avon and Somerset mounted police called the night’s events “upsetting”.

"After some very upsetting scenes in Bristol this evening all six horses and their riders are still on duty but safe. Thank you to everyone for your concern. It’s been a very long shift."

Home Secretary Priti Patel condemned the actions of the minority of protesters on Twitter.

She said: “Unacceptable scenes in Bristol tonight. Thuggery and disorder by a minority will never be tolerated.

“Police officers put themselves in harm's way to protect us all.

“My thoughts this evening are with those police officers injured.”

Bristol ‘Kill the Bill’ protest

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Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the events in Bristol were “inexcusable” and “completely unacceptable”.

The former director of public prosecutions said he hoped those responsible for the violence were brought to justice.

“I hope that the perpetrators are identified and prosecuted where that’s appropriate,” Sir Keir told LBC Radio.

Hundreds had gathered at College Green in Bristol before marching to the police station on nearby Bridewell Street.

Pictures showed graffiti being sprayed on an Avon and Somerset Police vehicle and it being rocked side to side by protesters.

Police said missiles had been thrown at them, including a firework, and that they have been verbally abused.

Other pictures showed mounted officers intervening to disperse the large crowd that had gathered outside the New Bridewell police station.

Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees said: “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 a 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.”

Andy Roebuck, chairman of the Avon and Somerset Police Federation, said: “Disgusting scenes in Bristol by a mob of animals who are injuring police officers, members of the public and damaging property.

“Avon and Somerset Police Federation are attending stations to support officers. We have officers with suspected broken arms and ribs. This is so wrong.”

John Apter, national chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “Horrendous scenes in Bristol.

“Number of officers badly injured, police vehicles damaged and a police station under attack.

“This is not protest, it’s just mindless violence. Thoughts are with my colleagues.”

Police hold back people outside Bridewell police station in Bristol
PA Wire

Darren Jones, Labour MP for Bristol North West, said: “The scenes in Bristol this evening are completely unacceptable.

“You don’t campaign for the right to peaceful protest by setting police vans on fire or graffitiing buildings.

“Avon and Somerset Police were on duty today to facilitate a peaceful protest not to deal with criminal behaviour.”

Kill the Bill protest
PA

“The protest is now focused on Bridewell Street so we’d advise motorists to avoid this area,” a police spokesman said.

“We’re aware of a small number of incidences of criminal damage during the afternoon, including graffiti, and these will be investigated.

“Officers are continuing to deal with a smaller number of protesters in Bridewell Street.

“They’ve had projectiles thrown at them, including a firework, and have been verbally abused.

“This is unacceptable behaviour and those responsible for offences will be identified and brought to justice.”

The Police, Crime Sentencing and Courts Bill would give the police in England and Wales more power to impose conditions on non-violent protests, including those deemed too noisy or a nuisance.

Those convicted under the proposed legislation could face a fine or jail.

Kill the Bill protest
Protesters set fire to a vandalised police van outside Bridewell Police Station
PA

Mass gatherings are currently banned under the coronavirus legislation and anyone breaching the regulations could be fined.

Many were wearing face masks and carried placards, saying: “Say no to UK police state” and “Freedom to protest is fundamental to democracy” and “Kill the Bill”.

Avon and Somerset Police had urged people not to attend the demonstration, warning that enforcement action could be taken.

It comes the day after anti-Lockdown protests in central London resulted in 33 arrests as police were pelted with bottles and flares.

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