News / Edward Colston
Police looking to identify people who pulled down Colston’s statue
A top policeman has thanked the organisers of Sunday’s Black Lives Matter march for their cooperation after an estimated 10,000 demonstrators marched through the streets of Bristol.
But he has also vowed to find the people who pulled down the statue of Edward Colston, following the momentous event that has reverberated across the world.
Home secretary Priti Patel said that the toppling of the slave trader’s statue was “utterly disgraceful”.
is needed now More than ever
She said that police should “follow up” on the incident and ensure “justice is undertaken with the individuals responsible for such unlawful and disorderly behaviour”.
“Sheer vandalism and disorder is completely unacceptable,” she added.
Avon & Somerset Police superintendent Andy Bennett said: “Keeping the public safe was our greatest priority and thankfully there were no instances of disorder and no arrests were made.
“However, there was a small group of people who clearly committed an act of criminal damage in pulling down a statue near Bristol Harbourside.
“An investigation will be carried out to identify those involved and we’re already collating footage of the incident.”
Video by Alma Collins
Read more: Protesters topple Colston’s statue amid jubilant scenes in Bristol
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