In pictures: Kill the Bill Bristol protest turns violent

22 March 2021

News image — Police vehicles were set alight as scene turned ugly

Reuters Police van on fire — Police vehicles were set alight as scene turned ugly

Police officers have been hurt during a protest in the centre of Bristol that turned violent.

Crowds had gathered for the Kill the Bill demonstration in opposition to the Police and Crime Bill.

Windows of a police station were smashed, riot vans and police cars were set on fire amid tense scenes in the centre of the city.

Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees said: "Smashing buildings in our city centre, vandalising vehicles, attacking our police will do nothing to lessen the likelihood of the Bill going through.

"On the contrary, the lawlessness on show will be used as evidence and promote the need for the Bill."

Reuters Lines of police vans and protesters in Bristol — The protest centred around New Bridewell police station in the centre of Bristol

Reuters Fire in Bristol street — Several riot vans and police cars were set on fire during the protest that started peacefully

Reuters Firework set off in crowd — Protesters scaled the police station roof and threw fireworks into the crowd

PA Media Police and the front line of protestors clashing — Police in riot gear pushed back against the crowd of thousands in Bristol city centre

PA Media Police station window being smashed — Rioters smashed the windows of the building

PA Media Protesters and police face off — Crowds had gathered for the Kill the Bill demonstration in opposition to the Police and Crime Bill

PA Media Riot police and protesters — Riot officers pushed the protesters back away from the police station

Reuters Firework being thrown in Bristol — "You don't campaign for the right to peaceful protest by setting police vans on fire", Bristol North West MP Darren Jones says

Reuters Police with batons — UK Home Secretary Priti Patel says "Thuggery and disorder by a minority will never be tolerated"

In pictures: Kill the Bill Bristol protest turns violent

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Police attacked as Bristol protest turns violent