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Demonstrators have clashed with police in Bristol after thousands gathered to protest against a controversial policing bill.
Crowds of people gathered at College Green in the city centre before marching to a police station in nearby Bridewell Street on Saturday.
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.
Later, protesters attempted to smash the windows of the glass-fronted police station.
They also tried to set fire to one of the marked police vans parked outside the station but the small flames were quickly extinguished by riot officers.
Other protesters set fire to a police van parked on Bridewell Street, near to the police station.
Andy Roebuck, chair of Avon and Somerset Police Federation, said some police officers had suffered “suspected broken arms and ribs” and that members of the public had also been injured.
He wrote on Twitter: “Disgusting scenes in Bristol by a mob of animals who are injuring Police Officers, members of the public and damaging property.
“@ASPolfed are attending stations to support officers. We have officers with suspected broken arms and ribs. This is so wrong.”
Police have advised motorists to avoid Bridewell Street, where the protest is now focused.
(REUTERS)
“We’re aware of a small number of incidences of criminal damage during the afternoon, including graffiti, and these will be investigated,” a police spokesperson said.
“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.
Police hold back people outside Bridewell Police Station as they take part in a ‘Kill the Bill’ protest in Bristol
(Andrew Matthews/PA)
Mass gatherings are currently banned under the coronavirus legislation and anyone breaching the regulations could be fined.
Many protesters on Saturday wore face masks and carried placards, which read: “Say no to UK police state”, “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.
“Officers are continuing to engage with those attending,” the police spokesman added.
“Enforcement action will be taken retrospectively when necessary and proportionate.”
Additional reporting by PA
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