Forex Trading For Beginners 2021: Bristol protest: Demonstrators clash with police

Protesters have clashed with police after thousands of people turned up to a demonstration officers had "strongly advised" against attending.

Angry scenes unfolded in Bristol where crowds had gathered for the Kill the Bill demonstration in opposition to the Police and Crime Bill.

Demonstrators scaled the police station, threw fireworks into the crowd and daubed graffiti on the walls.

Police said perpetrators would be "identified and brought to justice".

Videos on Twitter showed protesters rocking a police van while officers on horseback were pushed by the crowd.

It is not clear if any arrests have been made and a spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police described it as a "rapidly-developing situation".

Police vans that lined up to try and break up the demonstration were smashed up and had their tyres let down, as the crowd chanted "shame on you".

Police and the front line of protestors clashing

"Officers are continuing to deal with a smaller number of protesters in Bridewell Street," a police spokesman said.

"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.

We're asking people not to attend an advertised protest in #Bristol later today. Our communities have already sacrificed so much as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We must all keep playing our part to stop any further spread. pic.twitter.com/T95jwhPSGq
— Avon and Somerset Police (@ASPolice) March 21, 2021

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.View original tweet on Twitter

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.