Policemen hurt during clashes at law-and-order protest in England
Thousands of demonstrators had converged in Bristol, ignoring Covid-19 restrictions, to protest against a government bill going through parliament that would give police new powers to restrict street protests.
Demonstrators stand near a burning police vehicle during a protest against a new proposed policing bill, in Bristol, Britain, March 21, 2021.
Several policemen have been injured as violent clashes broke out after a demonstration in southwest England against increased police powers.
Thousands of people earlier gathered in Bristol city located west of England for the "Kill the Bill" protest in reaction to a controversial bill that plans to increase police powers against protesters.
The Avon and Summerset Police statement said a few hundred people started a "violent disorder" following the peaceful rally and threw rocks, bottles and firework at police officers.
"These scenes are absolutely disgraceful, and they will be widely condemned by people across the city. There can never be any excuse for a wanton disorder," Chief superintendent Will White said.
"Officers have been subjected to considerable levels of abuse and violence," he added.
White said a police officer "suffered a broken arm and another suffered broken ribs," and both were taken to hospital.
Footages that appeared on social media showed unattended p olice vans on fire.
"At least two police vehicles have been set on fire, and damage has been caused to the outside of the station," White said.
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A police officer with a police dog faces protesters outside Bridewell Police Station, in Bristol, England, Sunday March 21, 2021.
Interior minister Priti Patel condemned the clashes as "unacceptable".
"Thuggery and disorder by a minority will never be tolerated," she tweeted.
A local MP from the opposition Labour Party, Darren Jones, described the scenes as "completely unacceptable. You don't campaign for the right to peaceful protest by setting police vans on fire or graffitiing buildings.
"Avon and Somerset Police were on duty today to facilitate a peaceful protest not to deal with criminal behaviour," he said.
Mass gatherings are currently banned in England under coronavirus restrictions.
READ MORE: London police in spotlight after video of Black man's arrest emerges
Protesters confronting police about an hour ago in Bristol city centre pic.twitter.com/Ak8R2pn69n
— Conor Gogarty (@ConorGogarty) March 21, 2021
Demonstrators gather outside a police station during a protest against a new proposed policing bill, in Bristol, Britain, March 21, 2021.
On Saturday, an anti-lockdown rally in London that drew thousands of protesters also left several police officers hurt and saw at least 36 people arrested.
The controversial bill came under fire, especially after police intervention and arrest of some women in a peaceful vigil in Clapham, London, following the alleged kidnap and murder of Sarah Everard by an off-duty police officer earlier this month.
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