Yahoo Finance Police release images of 10 suspects wanted over Sunday’s Bristol 'Kill the Bill' protests
Watch: Police warn Bristol rioters: 'Expect a knock at your door'
Police have released images of 10 suspects they are attempting to trace after a protest in Bristol on Sunday night turned violent.
A police station was attacked, 21 officers were injured, and vehicles were set alight during the "Kill the Bill" protest against the government’s Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which would see the police handed new powers to tackle demonstrations.
Avon and Somerset Police have now released 10 images of suspects they wish to trace in connection with the disorder.
Seven men, aged between 20 and 44, were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and have all been released under investigation. Two further people have since also been arrested, it was announced on Wednesday.
A 28-year-old man, from the Bedminster Down area of Bristol, has been charged with possessing an offensive weapon and is due to appear at the Bristol Magistrates’ Court on 10 June.
Around 3,000 people attended a peaceful demonstration on College Green on Sunday but events turned violent after around 500 people descended on New Bridewell police station.
Detective Chief Superintendent Carolyn Belafonte said: “The investigation into Sunday’s disgraceful scenes of violence will undoubtedly be one of the largest in Avon and Somerset Police’s history.
“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.”
A second protest in Bristol on Tuesday night saw 14 people arrested after it descended into rioting in the city.
The demonstration was being held in opposition to plans to criminalise trespass with intention to reside, which would make it easier for travellers to be moved on.
Speaking after Sunday’s protests, Boris Johnson described the scenes as “unacceptable”, while home secretary Priti Patel said “thuggery and disorder” would never be tolerated.
Andy Marsh, chief constable of Avon and Somerset Police, said the demonstration had been “hijacked” by several hundred “extremists”.
Bristol mayor Marvin Rees, who said he had “major concerns” about the government’s bill, condemned the thuggery and said the disorder would be used to justify the legislation.
The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill would give the police in England and Wales more power to impose conditions on non-violent protests, including those deemed too noisy or a nuisance.
Those convicted under the proposed legislation could face a fine or jail.
Anyone who has information that can help identify any of the people in the images is asked to call 101 and provide the call handler with the letter associated with the person/people from the force’s website.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Watch: What happened at the 'Kill the Bill' protest?
