Police are appealing for help identifying another 14 protesters they believe were involved in a chaotic ‘Kill the Bill’ riot.
Scenes of violence erupted in Bristol on March 21, with two officers seriously injured after a ‘mob of animals’ smashed through the windows of a police station and set vehicles alight while opposing anti-protest legislation.
Police have so-far made 25 arrests in connection with the rally, which was launched following outrage at the government’s proposed Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.
Officers have now released images of 14 additional people they would like to speak to regarding the ‘violent disorder’.
Police are appealing for help identifying another 14 protesters they believe were involved in a chaotic ‘Kill the Bill’ riot
Officers have released images of 14 people they would like to speak to regarding the ‘violent disorder’
Avon and Somerset Police previously shared photographs of ten others they hoped to speak with, some of whom have since been identified.
Senior Investigating Officer DCI James Riccio said: ‘Our investigation is continuing at pace and we continue to make significant progress in what is a really challenging inquiry.
‘We’ve had fantastic support from the public so far and for that we’re incredibly grateful.
‘I’d like to once again ask for their help to look at our gallery and see if they recognise any of the people in the images.’
Police have so-far made 25 arrests in connection with the rally. Pictured: People officers would like to identify
Avon and Somerset Police previously shared photographs of ten others they hoped to speak with, some of whom have since been identified
The week of chaos in Bristol began on March 21, when around 3,000 demonstrators took to the streets to protest the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill. Pictured: People during the protest
Nine men, aged between 19 and 44, were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder during the protest on March 21.
Four women, aged between 18 and 20, were then arrested between Thursday and Friday, also on suspicion of violent disorder.
Later, police arrested another three people, two men and a woman aged between 21 and 30, on suspicion of violent disorder during a third protest on March 26.
The rally, which followed a second night of violence on March 23, saw some 300 people join a protest march through Bristol against the controversial bill before the crowd swelled to more than 1,000.
And on Saturday, officers detained three men and two women – aged between 19 and 30 – on suspicion of violent disorder.
One of the men was also detained on suspicion of arson.
The legislation would give police in England and Wales more power to impose conditions on non-violent protests, including those deemed too noisy or a nuisance, with those convicted under the bill liable to fines or jail terms
Pictured: A man police would like to speak with in connection with ‘violent disorder’ in Bristol
A further four people were arrested on the same case between Sunday and Monday.
The week of chaos in Bristol began on March 21, when around 3,000 demonstrators took to the streets to protest the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.
The legislation would give police in England and Wales more power to impose conditions on non-violent protests, including those deemed too noisy or a nuisance, with those convicted under the bill liable to fines or jail terms.
Activists were seen clashing with police outside Bridewell Police Station, with some pictured smashing the windows of the building and setting fire to a van.
People also managed to climb onto the roof of the police station and throw objects down on the police, who lined up to defend the entrance of the police station.
Andy Roebuck, chairman of the Avon and Somerset Police Federation, said: ‘Disgusting scenes in Bristol by a mob of animals who are injuring police officers, members of the public and damaging property.
Senior Investigating Officer DCI James Riccio said: ‘Our investigation is continuing at pace and we continue to make significant progress in what is a really challenging inquiry’
He added: ‘We’ve had fantastic support from the public so far and for that we’re incredibly grateful’
‘Avon and Somerset Police Federation are attending stations to support officers. We have officers with suspected broken arms and ribs. This is so wrong.’
Chief Superintendent Will White of Avon and Somerset Police said: ‘What started out as a peaceful protest has been turned by a small minority into violent disorder.
‘Officers have been subjected to considerable levels of abuse and violence. One suffered a broken arm and another suffered broken ribs. Both have been taken to hospital. At least two police vehicles have been set on fire and damage has been caused to the outside of the station.’
He added: ‘We have requested mutual aid from neighbouring forces to bring this incident to a safe conclusion.’
Detective Chief Superintendent Carolyn Belafonte previously said the investigation into scenes on March 21 will ‘undoubtedly be one of the largest in Avon and Somerset Police’s history.’
She said: ‘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 and published on a gallery on our website.
‘Officers and staff are working their way through images and footage as quickly as they can but with more than two terabytes worth of CCTV footage as well as nearly 100 officers’ body worn video cameras and more than 100 videos already sent in by members of the public to review, this will take a considerable amount of time.
A demonstrator skateboards in front of a burning police vehicle during a protest against a new proposed policing bill, in Bristol, Sunday
A demonstrator gestures in front of a burning police vehicle during a protest against a new proposed policing bill, in Bristol
Riot police, with police horses and police vehicles, move down Rupert Street in Bristol towards protesters
‘We expect to release images of many more people in the coming days and ask anyone who recognises anyone to contact us. We’d also ask anyone who recognises themselves in the images to pick up the phone and dial 101 or visit their nearest police station so we can arrange for officers to talk to you to get your account of events.’
Det Ch Supt added: ‘The incident attracted worldwide attention and we continue to be humbled by the incredible support shown to us from the public, as well as from organisations and agencies across the city and beyond.
‘The public response in particular has been nothing short of amazing and I want all those who’ve shown us support and kindness to know how much we appreciate it.
Demonstrators stand near a burning police vehicle during a protest against a new proposed policing bill, in Bristol
A demonstrator gestures near a burning police vehicle as two other vans arrive at the scene to drive protesters away
Protester smashes a Bridewell Police Station window as they take part in a ‘Kill the Bill’ protest in Bristol, demonstrating against the Government’s controversial Police and Crime Bill
‘In addition to asking for help to identify the people in the images we’re releasing, we also continue to ask people to submit any footage or photos they may have captured of Sunday’s events. We’ve set up a dedicated form on our website where people can submit material or provide us with information.
‘Other lines of enquiry are also being progressed, including forensic evidence, which will help us identify those involved. We may have only arrested eight people so for but I guarantee we’re wholly committed to tracking down those who carried out offences and with the help of the public we will be making more arrests very soon.’
Anyone who recognises those pictured is asked get in touch with police on 101.
