Third night of violence on streets of Bristol in less than a week

For several hours, police allowed protesters to stand and sit on Rupert Street. In full riot gear, officers on the front line chatted with people; some of who put daffodils in their lapels while they guarded Bridewell police station.

A crowd of thousands of people had gathered on College Green at 4pm for Bristol’s third ‘kill the bill’ protest, with a peaceful march taking place through the city. But the evening was marred by violence.

Soon before 10.15pm, officers began to move forward, with several appearing to use their shields to hit protesters after many other protesters on the floor had urged those who were standing at the front to join them sitting down.

And riot police continued moving forward, sometimes walking, sometimes jogging; sometimes with dogs, sometimes with horses, sometimes with both; until after midnight.

Various fronts opened up as police attempted to disperse people from the city centre.

Protesters being moved away from Bridewell ended up going on Union Street and then through Broadmead; with others heading along The Haymarket past St James’ Park, and then up Bond Street towards St Paul’s.

Missiles thrown at the police included glass bottles, a bike pedal and fireworks – one of which exploded very close to a police horse on Bond Street.

Ten people were arrested during the evening. One was released after being issued with a fixed penalty notice while the other nine remained in police custody on Saturday morning.

Video footage apparently shows police officers stamping on and hitting one man with a baton while he appears virtually immobile on the floor. Another video apparently shows a woman being hit in the face by a police officer.

A journalist from the Daily Mirror was hit by a police shield and baton as he filmed officers walk into St Paul Street.

Matthew Dresch said: “Police assaulted me at the Bristol protest even though I told them I was from the press. I was respectfully observing what was happening and posed no threat to any of the officers.”

In a statement, Avon & Somerset Police said that “mutual aid from neighbouring forces was brought in to ensure the crowds were dispersed as safely as possible”, with the operation concluding at around 1am.

Superintendent Mark Runacres said: “The majority of people acted peacefully. However, there was a minority who once again showed hostility to officers.

“Items including glass bottles and bricks were thrown at officers, fireworks were launched at our mounted section, while one of our horses was also covered with paint. 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.

“Ten people were arrested for offences including violent disorder, assaulting an emergency worker and possession of Class A drugs.

“Three of those arrested were also detained in connection with the violent disorder which took place in Bristol on Sunday.”

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.”

Main photo: Simon Holliday

Read more:

• Bristol burns after peaceful protest turns into violent riot
• Riot police break up peaceful protest on College Green
• ‘I calmly told police I was a journalist but they said they didn’t believe me’
• Police officer describes moment the van he was driving was set on fire
• Five protesters share their stories from Sunday’s Kill the Bill protest and riot