ANARCHY IN THE STREETS
Bristol protest: Boris Johnson slams Kill the Bill ‘mob’ as 10 arrested after FIREWORKS thrown at cops in latest attacks
BORIS Johnson has today blasted the Kill the Bill "mob" as police arrested 10 protesters following the violent and dramatic clashes in Bristol last night.
Riot cops used shields to push back thousands of booing demonstrators who threw the fireworks along with bottles and eggs at police on the third night of chaos in less than a week.
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The chaotic scenes saw a number of arrests overnight as the protesters and more than 100 cops armed with shields and helmets faced off in the streets.
One of the detained rioters has since been issued a fixed penalty notice while the other nine remain in custody, cops said today.
Boris Johnson called the attacks against officers "disgraceful" giving the city and the police his "full support."
The Prime Minister said today: "Last night saw disgraceful attacks against police officers in Bristol.
"Our officers should not have to face having bricks, bottles and fireworks being thrown at them by a mob intent on violence and causing damage to property.
"The police and the city have my full support."
And the Home Secretary today shamed the 'troublesome' demonstrators, saying: "I am disgusted by the disorder in Bristol and the violence being directed towards the police.
"I’m in no doubt the silent, law-abiding majority will be appalled by the actions of this criminal minority.
TEN ARRESTED
"Despite repeated warnings to disperse, it’s clear these thugs were only intent on causing trouble. I am receiving regular updates and the police have my full support."
Around 1,000 people had gathered in Bristol on Friday night with fears that the scenes would descend into violence after two confrontations in the city already this week.
The protests have been sparked after a new policing bill which would see protests criminalised when deemed a "public nuisance"
And chaos kicked off quickly yet again with fireworks sent flying towards a police horse during the scuffles as cops tried to move on the protesters.
Fears of protesters arming themselves were also sparked with reports that a group of six men had been spotted in the crowd wearing knuckledusters just years away from the police station.
And the demonstrators were heard screaming "no" as the dramatic scenes once again took place on the streets.
Avon and Somertset Police said projectiles including eggs and glass bottles had been lobbed at cops.
In a tweet, they said: "We will not tolerate violent disorder. Arrests have been made."
But activists, who had earlier staged a sit-down demonstration outside Bristol’s Bridgeway police station, retreated just metres as they refused to give up ground.
Officers warned protesters force would be used - with mounted officers on horses and dogs on standby.
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The baying crowd chanted “shame on you” as they were pushed back.
Other protesters were spotted with shopping bags full of alcohol after police put a restriction on city-centre shops from selling alcohol.
Earlier police formed a ring of steel around Bridewell Police Station, which was attacked in previous carnage.
The protests have been held in Bristol over the past week, protesting against the Government's Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.
And during Friday's demonstrations protesters could be heard chanting "ten years for protest, five years for rape" and "justice for Sarah", referring to the recent murder of Sarah Everard in London.
It comes after demonstrations on Sunday and Tuesday had also started peacefully before descending into assaults against police and acts of vandalism.
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Avon and Somerset Police is currently investigating assaults on 40 officers and one member of the media by thugs at the previous demos.
A total of 24 people have so far been arrested in connection with the disorder, which saw officers attacked, police vehicles set on fire and the windows of a police station smashed.
Police had urged people not to attend any protests because public gatherings are not currently permitted under coronavirus legislation.
Superintendent Mark Runacres said: “The majority of people acted peacefully however there was a minority who once again showed hostility to officers.
“Items, including glass bottles and bricks were thrown at officers, fireworks were launched at our mounted section while one of our horses was also covered with paint.
“This violent conduct is not acceptable.
“Officers repeatedly encouraged people to disperse but once the atmosphere changed and people became physical it was necessary to take action.
“Ten people were arrested for offences including violent disorder, assaulting an emergency worker and possession of Class A drugs.
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“Three of those arrested were also detained in connection with the violent disorder which took place in Bristol on Sunday.”
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Supt Runacres added: “All the officers policing the incident are specially trained and accredited in public order and showed exceptional patience in the face of a significant disorder.
“At times reasonable force had to be used – this is not something we ever want to do but we have a duty to uphold the law, prevent crime, and protect people and property.”
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Riot police clash as they break up a protest on Bristol's College Green
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