Protesters in Bristol have clashed with the police after people show up for Kill the Bill protestation this evening.
Crowds had gathered for the Kill the Bill demonstration in opposition to the Police and Crime Bill.
Hundreds of people gathered at College Green before marching to a police station on nearby Nelson Street.
Police officers have suffered suspected broken bones as angry scenes unfolded in Bristol city centre.
Demonstrators have scaled the police station, threw fireworks into the crowd and daubed graffiti on the walls.
At least one police van was set on fire, with others smashed up and their tyres let down as the crowd chanted “shame on you”.
“This comes after demonstrations in remembrance of Sarah Everard”
People are demonstrating the part of the bill that will enforce the police’s right to “uphold the right to peaceful protest while providing the police with the necessary powers to stop disruptive protests from disproportionately infringing on the rights and freedoms of others.”
This comes after demonstrations in remembrance of Sarah Everard, a woman murdered on the streets of South London, being banned by the courts because of Covid-19 restrictions, with anyone caught protesting risking a £10,00 fine.
Pictures showed graffiti being sprayed on an Avon and Somerset police vehicle and it being rocked side to side by protesters.
The scene in Bristol now where protestors are in a stand off with police outside the central police station pic.twitter.com/OrLLTObrXm
— Anthony Ward (@Anth0ny_Ward) March 21, 2021
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.
Many were wearing face masks and carried placards saying “Say no to UK police state”, “Freedom to protest is fundamental to democracy” and “Kill the bill”.
Avon and Somerset’s police had urged people not to attend the demonstration, warning that enforcement action could be taken.
You can read the full bill proposition here.
Shawna Healey
Images and videos courtesy of Sanjana Idnani.