News / Kill the Bill
May Day’s ‘kill the bill’ march ends in violence
Police claim that 13 officers were assaulted, with some receiving minor injuries, after the latest ‘kill the bill’ protest turned into violent scenes on Saturday evening.
Two protesters were arrested as around 50 people gathered around a squat opposite Castle Park.
Previously an entrance to The Rummer, the building on the High Street has been squatted for several years.
is needed now More than ever
Crowds gathered outside the squat on the High Street
Protesters start the latest ‘kill the bill’ march
Speeches took place in Castle Park before the march began
The march then made its way through the city centre
Protesters were prevented from reaching the M32
Police kept a close eye on proceedings
The march briefly stopped in front of Bridewell police station
Following the end of a march around the city centre, a Section 35 dispersal order was authorised “due to incidences of anti-social behaviour” according to Avon & Somerset Police.
“Officers encouraged people to disperse, but items including bottles, cans, paint and eggs were thrown at them by a small number of people in the crowd and from within the nearby building.”
A 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting four emergency workers and a 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of failing to comply with the Section 35 direction.
Avon & Somerset chief inspector Rob Cheeseman said: “It’s wholly unacceptable for officers to be subjected to any form of assault and it’s very disappointing to see a small minority using bottles, cans and other missiles to target both officers and police horses in this way.
“We’ll be investigating offences committed and reviewing CCTV and officers’ body worn video to identify those responsible.”
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Many protesters are wary of talking to police liaison officers
All photos by Jamie Bellinger / www.jamie.photo
Read more: Candidates for Avon & Somerset police and crime commissioner revealed
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