By Elishya Perera
BRISTOL, England (CU)_Demonstrators have attacked police officers and set police vehicles on fire after a peaceful protest turned violent in the city of Bristol in southwest England.
Thousands of protestors gathered in the city centre, ignoring Coronavirus restrictions, for the Kill the Bill demonstration in opposition to the government’s Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts bill.
Responding to the events, Home Secretary Priti Patel said on Twitter that “thuggery and disorder” by the demonstrators were unacceptable and would not be tolerated.
“Our police officers put themselves in harm’s way to protect us all,” she noted. “My thoughts this evening are with those police officers injured.”
Two officers have already been taken to hospital after suffering a broken arm and broken ribs, while other officers were subjected to verbal abuse and violence. The demonstrators also vandalised the outside of the police station in the city centre.
The events prompted the local force, Avon and Somerset Police, to request for help from neighbouring forces to bring the situation under control.
According to a statement issued by Avon and Somerset’s chief superintendent, Will White, at least two police vehicles have been set on fire and damage has been caused to the outside of the station. However, he assured that protestors have not entered the building.
“All those involved in this criminal behaviour will be identified and brought to justice. There will be significant consequences for behaviour such as this,” he said.
Footage from the scene showed demonstrators launching fireworks towards police officers, trying to knock over a police van and spraying graffiti on the outside wall of a police station.
The demonstrations were in opposition to the government’s bill which would give police new powers to restrict street protests, and this has angered activists, particularly following the heavy-handed police response to the vigil in London for murder victim Sarah Everard, which sparked widespread criticism and outrage.
