Protesters have attacked police after thousands of people turned up to a demonstration that officers had "strongly advised" against attending.
Officers suffered broken bones and police vans were set alight as angry scenes unfolded in Bristol city centre.
Crowds had gathered for the Kill the Bill demonstration in opposition to the Police and Crime Bill.
Demonstrators scaled a police station, threw fireworks into the crowd and daubed graffiti on the walls.
Home Secretary Priti Patel described the events as "unacceptable".
"Thuggery and disorder by a minority will never be tolerated," she said. "Our police officers put themselves in harms way to protect us all."
Avon and Somerset Police said what had started "as a peaceful protest" had been "turned by a small minority into a violent disorder".
Two police vehicles were set on fire, damage was caused to a police station, one officer suffered a broken arm and another suffered broken ribs, the force added.
As well as the police vehicles set on fire, others were smashed up and their tyres let down as the crowd chanted "shame on you".
Police said perpetrators would be "identified and brought to justice".
It is not clear if any arrests have been made but a spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said there would be "significant consequences for behaviour such as this".
Chair of Avon and Somerset Police Federation Andy Roebuck said: "This is the worst violence in Bristol for many, many years.
"It's really unprecedented violence. Between four and six or possibly more officers are seriously injured and some have broken bones.
"No one had any indication it would erupt this way."
Darren Jones, Labour MP for Bristol North West, tweeted that the scenes in the city were "completely unacceptable".
"You don't campaign for the right to peaceful protest by setting police vans on fire or graffitiing buildings," he said.
Videos on Twitter showed protesters rocking and kicking a police van while officers on horseback were pushed by the crowd.
"Officers are continuing to deal with a smaller number of protesters in Bridewell Street," a police spokesman said earlier.
"They've had projectiles thrown at them, including a firework, and have been verbally abused.
"This is unacceptable behaviour and those responsible for offences will be identified and brought to justice."
Campaigners have staged a string of protests against the bill, which would give the police more powers to deal with non-violent demonstrations.
Many attendees in Bristol wore face masks and carried placards with slogans such as: "Say no to UK police state", "Freedom to protest is fundamental to democracy", and "Kill the Bill".
Avon and Somerset Police had encouraged people to stay away from the demo and attend virtual protests instead.
Mass gatherings are currently banned under coronavirus legislation and anyone breaching regulations could be fined, though some MPs have said the law should change to allow protests.
This weekend has seen a number of protests and demonstrations, with campaigners gathering in support of various causes.
On Saturday, there were more than 30 arrests during anti-lockdown protests in London.
Elsewhere, several vigils were held to highlight issues around women's safety, including a gathering outside Exeter cathedral.
Have you witnessed the protests? If it is safe to do so please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
- WhatsApp: +44 7756 165803
- Tweet: @BBC_HaveYourSay
- Upload pictures or video
- Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy
If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission.
Related Internet Links
https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiNmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jby51ay9uZXdzL3VrLWVuZ2xhbmQtYnJpc3RvbC01NjQ3Nzg4N9IBOmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jby51ay9uZXdzL2FtcC91ay1lbmdsYW5kLWJyaXN0b2wtNTY0Nzc4ODc?oc=5
2021-03-21 21:12:25Z
52781442401405
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar