‘Disgraceful’: Prime Minister condemns violent Kill the Bill protest in Bristol

More than 1,000 people protested against the Government’s new Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.
‘Kill The Bill’ protest – Bristol
PA Wire
Tammy Hughes27 March 2021

Boris Johnson has condemned violent protests in Bristol on Friday night, calling attacks on police officers “disgraceful”.

Protesters launched fireworks at police horses and officers were pelted with eggs, bottles and traffic cones.

On Saturday, the prime minister said the protesters were a “mob intent on violence”.

More than 1,000 people marched in opposition to the government’s Police and Crime Bill before stopping close to Bridewell Police Station, the scene of disorder on Sunday.

Police in riot gear started dispersing crowds at around 22.10pm due to Covid restrictions and mounted police and dog units were used to drive back the crowds.

In ugly scenes, officers could be seen battering protesters with their shields sending some tumbling to the ground.

Police said they made ten arrests and condemned what they said was unacceptable “violent conduct”.

‘Kill The Bill’ protest – Bristol
PA Wire

The protest was a reaction to the government’s Police Crime Sentencing and Courts Bill which criminalises protests deemed a “public nuisance.”

Superintendent Mark Runacres said it became necessary to take action when “people became physical”.

“The majority of people acted peacefully however there was a minority who showed hostility to officers,” he said.

“This violent conduct is not acceptable.

“Officers repeatedly encouraged people to disperse but once the atmosphere changed and people became physical it was necessary to take action.”

Three of those arrested were also detained in connection with last Sunday’s first march, which was followed by another violent demonstration on Tuesday night.

Supt Runacres added: “All the officers policing the incident are specially trained and accredited in public order and showed exceptional patience in the face of a significant disorder.

“At times reasonable force had to be used – this is not something we ever want to do but we have a duty to uphold the law, prevent crime, and protect people and property.”

Prior to the arrests, protesters had been spotted dancing to music despite heavy rain, handing out flowers and chanting slogans such as “Who do you protect?” and “Justice for Sarah” in reference to murder victim Sarah Everard.

Serving police officer Wayne Couzens, 48, from Deal, Kent, has been charged with her murder.

The first Kill the Bill demonstration last Sunday began peacefully with around 3,000 attending, but descended into a riot when some 500 people marched on Bridewell police station.

A man holds a bunch of daffodils in front of a police line near to Bridewell police station
PA Wire

Twelve people have been arrested in connection with that protest, in which officers were attacked, police vehicles were set on fire and the windows of a police station smashed.

The force later retracted claims two officers suffered fractures in Sunday night’s riot.

“We believed the information had been verified but it had not, and while we apologise for that there was no intention to mislead,” a force spokesman said.

Tuesday night’s protest resulted in 15 arrests.

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