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.

Epigram / Billy Stockwell
Epigram / Eve Bentley-Hussey
Epigram / Filiz Gurer

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

Epigram / Filiz Gurer
Epigram / Filiz Gurer
Epigram / Filiz Gurer 
Epigram / Filiz Gurer 
Epigram / Filiz Gurer
Epigram / Siavash Minoukadeh

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

Epigram / Siavash Minoukadeh

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.

Epigram / Filiz Gurer
Epigram / Filiz Gurer

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.

Epigram / Filiz Gurer 

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

Epigram / Billy Stockwell
Epigram / Billy Stockwell
Epigram / Filiz Gurer

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

Epigram / Georgiana Scott
Epigram / Siavash Minoukadeh
Epigram / Billy Stockwell

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

Epigram / Siavash Minoukadeh

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

Epigram / Filiz Gurer
Epigram/ Filiz Gurer

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

Epigram / Filiz Gurer
Epigram / Siavash Minoukadeh

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.

Epigram / Robin Connolly
Epigram / Robin Connolly
Epigram / Robin Connolly

Featured: Filiz Gurer


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