As it happened: Bristol’s ‘Kill The Bill’ demonstration in photos

By Epigram Reporters

Yesterday, 21 March, what started off as a peaceful protest with a large turnout against the government's proposed Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill escalated and turned violent as the afternoon and evening went on, resulting in injury of 20 police officers and significant damage to police property. Here's what happened throughout the day.

UPDATE: This article previously stated that one police officer had broken bones and another had a punctured lung as a result of protester violence. This information was provided by Avon & Somerset police. The police have since stated that these injuries were not sustained by any officers and this article has been updated to reflect this updated information.

Protestors gathered on College Green at 2pm.

At about 2.45pm, protestors began to march towards the city centre, passing through Broadmead and past Castle Park.

Between 3pm and 4pm, some protestors left the demonstration group and staged a sit in outside New Bridewell police station.

The first clash between police and a few of the protestors was seen at about 4.30pm. Riot police were first seen at the scene at 5pm.

Police were seen using batons to push demonstrators back.

Tensions escalated throughout the evening, with rioters throwing missiles such as stones, bottles and canisters at police. Around 6.30pm, demonstrators set off fireworks within the crowds.

Riot police on horseback were deployed as well as a squad of police with dogs.

Using spray paint, rioters tagged New Bridewell police station, as well as police vehicles in the vicinity.

Violence continued to escalate as rioters were seen shaking police vehicles and ultimately setting them alight.

Police continued to respond, cordoning off streets and blocking the public from entering the protest scene.

Violence continued into the early hours of the morning, with police lines receiving verbal abuse and other vehicles set on fire.

This morning, reporters crowded around the damaged station. Avon & Somerset Police Chief Constable Andy Marsh today said that 20 officers were injured during the demonstrations yesterday.

Featured: Filiz Gurer

What do you think of the events which took place in Bristol yesterday?