Boris Johnson has condemned violent protests in Bristol on Friday night, calling attacks on police officers “disgraceful”.
Protesters launched fireworks at police horses and officers were pelted with eggs, bottles and traffic cones.
On Saturday, the prime minister said the protesters were a “mob intent on violence”.
More than 1,000 people marched in opposition to the government’s Police and Crime Bill before stopping close to Bridewell Police Station, the scene of disorder on Sunday.
Last night saw disgraceful attacks against police officers in Bristol.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) March 27, 2021
Our officers should not have to face having bricks, bottles and fireworks being thrown at them by a mob intent on violence and causing damage to property.
The police and the city have my full support.
Police in riot gear started dispersing crowds at around 22.10pm due to Covid restrictions and mounted police and dog units were used to drive back the crowds.
In ugly scenes, officers could be seen battering protesters with their shields sending some tumbling to the ground.
Police said they made ten arrests and condemned what they said was unacceptable “violent conduct”.
The protest was a reaction to the government’s Police Crime Sentencing and Courts Bill which criminalises protests deemed a “public nuisance.”
Superintendent Mark Runacres said it became necessary to take action when “people became physical”.
“The majority of people acted peacefully however there was a minority who showed hostility to officers,” he said.
Ten people were arrested in #Bristol following violent disorder in the city overnight.
— Avon and Somerset Police (@ASPolice) March 27, 2021
Glass bottles and bricks were thrown at officers while fireworks were launched at our mounted section. One of our horses was also covered with paint.
More here - https://t.co/fStos1qbXW pic.twitter.com/CSlQGv83XT
“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.”
Three of those arrested were also detained in connection with last Sunday’s first march, which was followed by another violent demonstration on Tuesday night.
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.”
Prior to the arrests, protesters had been spotted dancing to music despite heavy rain, handing out flowers and chanting slogans such as “Who do you protect?” and “Justice for Sarah” in reference to murder victim Sarah Everard.
Serving police officer Wayne Couzens, 48, from Deal, Kent, has been charged with her murder.
The first Kill the Bill demonstration last Sunday began peacefully with around 3,000 attending, but descended into a riot when some 500 people marched on Bridewell police station.
Twelve people have been arrested in connection with that protest, in which officers were attacked, police vehicles were set on fire and the windows of a police station smashed.
The force later retracted claims two officers suffered fractures in Sunday night’s riot.
“We believed the information had been verified but it had not, and while we apologise for that there was no intention to mislead,” a force spokesman said.
Tuesday night’s protest resulted in 15 arrests.
