Kill the Bill Bristol protests: Police action at demo
- Published
Fourteen people have been arrested at a second night of protests in Bristol, police have said.
On Tuesday night about 130 people demonstrating against the government's new Police and Crime Bill gathered at College Green.
It comes just two days after another protest turned violent, with several officers from Avon and Somerset police injured and police cars torched.
The force said it had to act due to lockdown restrictions.
One of those arrested was in connection with the disorder in Bristol on Sunday, Avon and Somerset Police said.
Ch Supt Claire Armes said: "We will always attract opposing and differing views in these situations but we have successfully cleared the area and minimised any disruption to the city of Bristol."
Earlier, she said protesters had "insulted" Bristol's communities, who "have made too many sacrifices and worked so hard" to defeat coronavirus.
Officers from British Transport Police, Devon and Cornwall, Dorset, Dyfed Powys, Gloucestershire, Gwent and Wiltshire forces were drafted in to help.
In a tweet, police said officers had attempted to engage with demonstrators earlier in the evening and asked them to move on.
"It's disappointing we needed to take this action on a day we remember those who've lost their lives," the force said earlier, referring to the anniversary of the first national lockdown.
Shortly before 23:00 GMT, police said protesters had been moved off College Green but that a "significant number" remained on Deanery Road "and continue to refuse to leave the area".
The force tweeted: "Officers will take proportionate action to disperse crowds. They are not containing anyone and we continue to urge people to move on."
Specially trained public order officers are beginning to disperse a protest from College Green in #Bristol.
— Avon and Somerset Police (@ASPolice) March 23, 2021
Officers had engaged with protestors & asked them to move on but tents & a sound system were set up.
We remain in lockdown and we cannot allow this gathering to continue.
A YouTube livestream appearing to be from the demonstration showed large numbers of police with some officers on horseback and others with dogs lined up.
Shouts of "our streets" and "shame on you" could be heard.
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