Police warn Kill The Bill protestors against more violence

Police have warned Kill The Bill protesters against further violence ahead of another demonstration which is expected to take place in Bristol today.

Activists are set to gather at College Green for the fourth rally held in the city since March 21, when a ‘mob of animals’ smashed through the windows of a police station  and two officers were left seriously injured. 

Police have so-far made 25 arrests in connection with the demonstration – which was launched following outrage at the government’s proposed Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.  

Protesting is now legal in England following a change in Covid-19 lockdown rules which came into force yesterday, but organisers are required to submit risk assessments and ensure social distancing. 

Police today confirmed that although officers were aware of the plans, they had not received any details of the anticipated protest.  

A spokeswoman for Avon and Somerset Police told the Bristol Post: ‘We would encourage the organisers to engage with us. 

‘We maintain the risk (from Covid) is still there and would encourage people to find alternative ways to express their views. 

‘But there are policing plans in place to manage any protests that do go ahead.’  

It comes as officers were today appealing for help identifying 14 protesters they believe were involved in the first ‘Kill the Bill’ riot on March 21.

Violent scenes had erupted last Sunday when around 3,000 demonstrators took to the streets to protest the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.

The legislation would give police in England and Wales more power to impose conditions on non-violent protests, including those deemed too noisy or a nuisance, with those convicted under the bill liable to fines or jail terms. 

There have since been two further protests, the latest on Friday, with another expected to take place on April 2.

Last night, Superintendent Mark Runacres had urged the organisers of today’s protest to contact officers so they can ensure the demonstration will take place ‘lawfully.’

He said: ‘For tomorrow and Saturday’s protests to happen lawfully, there needs to be engagement from organisers

‘It’s not like it can just happen the same way it did pre-Covid, but we are happy and keen to work with organisers.

‘We will look to agree and identify issues around timing, duration, route, end-point and how we disperse at the end. We want to facilitate the protest through the day.

‘That’s what we did throughout last year but for the recent protests we’ve had no contact from organisers.’

It is understood no one has stepped forward as an organiser for the rallies.

Officers today released images of 14 additional people they would like to speak to regarding the ‘violent disorder’ that took place in Bristol on March 21.   

Senior Investigating Officer DCI James Riccio said: ‘Our investigation is continuing at pace and we continue to make significant progress in what is a really challenging inquiry.

‘We’ve had fantastic support from the public so far and for that we’re incredibly grateful.

‘I’d like to once again ask for their help to look at our gallery and see if they recognise any of the people in the images.’

There have so-far been 25 arrests in connection with the unrest, including nine men aged between 19 and 44 who were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder on the night. 

Four women, aged between 18 and 20, were then arrested between Thursday and Friday, also on suspicion of violent disorder.

Later, police arrested another three people, two men and a woman aged between 21 and 30, on suspicion of violent disorder during a third protest on March 26.

The rally, which followed a second night of violence on March 23, saw some 300 people join a protest march through Bristol against the controversial bill before the crowd swelled to more than 1,000. 

And on Saturday, officers detained three men and two women – aged between 19 and 30 – on suspicion of violent disorder. 

One of the men was also detained on suspicion of arson.

A further four people were arrested on the same case between Sunday and Monday. 

Andy Roebuck, chairman of the Avon and Somerset Police Federation, said: ‘Disgusting scenes in Bristol by a mob of animals who are injuring police officers, members of the public and damaging property.

‘Avon and Somerset Police Federation are attending stations to support officers. We have officers with suspected broken arms and ribs. This is so wrong.’ 

Chief Superintendent Will White of Avon and Somerset Police said: ‘What started out as a peaceful protest has been turned by a small minority into violent disorder.

‘Officers have been subjected to considerable levels of abuse and violence. One suffered a broken arm and another suffered broken ribs. Both have been taken to hospital. At least two police vehicles have been set on fire and damage has been caused to the outside of the station.’

He added: ‘We have requested mutual aid from neighbouring forces to bring this incident to a safe conclusion.’

Detective Chief Superintendent Carolyn Belafonte previously said the investigation into scenes on March 21 will ‘undoubtedly be one of the largest in Avon and Somerset Police’s history.’

She said: ‘More than 100 officers and staff continue to work on the inquiry which is being led by our Major Crime Investigation Team.

‘Hundreds of hours of digital material has already been reviewed and images of the first 10 people detectives want to talk to about Sunday’s events have been identified and published on a gallery on our website.

‘Officers and staff are working their way through images and footage as quickly as they can but with more than two terabytes worth of CCTV footage as well as nearly 100 officers’ body worn video cameras and more than 100 videos already sent in by members of the public to review, this will take a considerable amount of time.

‘We expect to release images of many more people in the coming days and ask anyone who recognises anyone to contact us. We’d also ask anyone who recognises themselves in the images to pick up the phone and dial 101 or visit their nearest police station so we can arrange for officers to talk to you to get your account of events.’

Det Ch Supt added: ‘The incident attracted worldwide attention and we continue to be humbled by the incredible support shown to us from the public, as well as from organisations and agencies across the city and beyond.

‘The public response in particular has been nothing short of amazing and I want all those who’ve shown us support and kindness to know how much we appreciate it.

‘In addition to asking for help to identify the people in the images we’re releasing, we also continue to ask people to submit any footage or photos they may have captured of Sunday’s events. We’ve set up a dedicated form on our website where people can submit material or provide us with information.

‘Other lines of enquiry are also being progressed, including forensic evidence, which will help us identify those involved. We may have only arrested eight people so for but I guarantee we’re wholly committed to tracking down those who carried out offences and with the help of the public we will be making more arrests very soon.’

Anyone who recognises those pictured is asked get in touch with police on 101.