Demonstrators, police clash amid protests over policing bill in UK city

Demonstrators and police clashed in Sunday protests, where thousands took to the streets in Bristol, England in opposition to a bill that would give police more powers to restrict non-violent protests. 

Protesters gathered in Bristol’s city center to demonstrate against the police crime, sentencing and courts bill that would permit officers to institute time and noise limits on street protests, Reuters reported.   

The demonstrators defied COVID-19 restrictions and rejected suggestions to participate in virtual protests in order to congregate in Bristol. Some protesters launched fireworks at officers, attempted to topple a police van and climb a police building and spray it with graffiti, according to Reuters. 

Police in riot gear attempted to push back demonstrators with batons and shields. 

The Avon and Somerset Police issued a statement in response to the demonstrations, saying that several hundred people gathered outside Bridewell police station and at least two police vehicles were set on fire.

Chief Superintendent Will White said “a small minority” of protesters turned a “peaceful protest” into a “violent disorder,” during which two officers were sent to the hospital, with one suffering a broken arm and the other having broken ribs.

“These scenes are absolutely disgraceful and they will be widely condemned by people across the city,” he said. “There can never be any excuse for wanton disorder.”

“These men and women out there with the intention of serving and protecting the public – they should never be subjected to assaults or abuse in this way,” he added.

Latest statement on ongoing disorder in #Bristol. pic.twitter.com/xOavz7ZgpY

— Avon and Somerset Police (@ASPolice) March 21, 2021

Criticism of the policing bill comes after officers removed protesters and made arrests in response to a London vigil for Sarah Everard, who was killed. Wayne Couzens, a London police officer, was charged with allegedly murdering and kidnapping her. 

The bill existed before the Everard case, but it came up for debate in parliament two days after the London vigil that received a heavy police response.