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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Jonathan Coles

'Kill the Bill': Hundreds at Bristol protests as truck for Stephen Merchant show blocked

Hundreds of people are attending the fourth 'Kill the Bill' demo in Bristol on tonight, with protesters blocking a delivery truck for the new Stephen Merchant series.

Crowds marched through the city again to rail against a new bill that will crack down on peaceful protests, but as of 11pm on Tuesday the event had avoided the violent scenes of previous gatherings.

Protesters started with talks on College Green in the city before walking around the city centre while chanting, reports Bristol Live.

They then sat down outside Bridewell police station, the scene of previous violent disorder - and blocked traffic.

A bizarre situation saw trucks trying to deliver dressing rooms for Bristol-born Merchant's new BBC series stopped by crowds.

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Crowds marched through the city but remained well-behaved (Getty Images)

Drivers said they were supplying 'The Offenders', the actor and comedian's latest project.

But they could not reach their destination while protesters blocked the road - causing an impasse.

Some people stood up to allow the trucks through but then sat down again - with the vehicles remaining unmoved.

The demo was the fourth in the city in ten days (REUTERS)

Officers from Avon and Somerset Constabulary made themselves visible throughout the evening but did not need to use force.

Riot vans were also kept waiting in nearby streets but were not called into action.

There had been three demonstrations in Bristol since March 21 against the proposed legislation, prior to this evening's march.

Violence had erupted on each occasion, with 10 arrests made on March 26.

Around 300 people initially joined a protest march before the crowd swelled to more than 1,000 as tempers flared.

Protesters sat down outside Bridewell police station, the scene of previous violent disorder (Getty Images)

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Home Secretary Priti Patel condemned the scenes.

Police said glass bottles, bricks and eggs were thrown at officers and fireworks were launched at its mounted division.

The first protest, on March 21, also descended into a riot when some 500 people marched and attacked Bridewell police station.

Shocking images showed police vehicles being set on fire and clashes between rioters and officers clad in protective gear.

There was then a further demonstration on March 23, with 15 arrests made.

Trouble had flared then when police began moving protesters from College Green, a green space in the centre of the city.

Police kept a visible presence throughout (PA)

Protests are being held across the country over the Government's Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.

This would give police in England and Wales more power to impose conditions on non-violent protests.

This includes those deemed too noisy or a nuisance, with people convicted liable to fines or jail terms.

Peaceful protests are now allowed under revised coronavirus guidelines, providing organisers enforce restrictions.

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