Content Warning: This article includes discussions about violence and police brutality.
On Friday 26th March at 4 pm, demonstrators gathered on College Green for a third #KillTheBill protest against the Police, Crime, Courts, and Sentencing Bill. Though the protest remained largely peaceful, the night once again ended in violence.
Protesters spent most of the afternoon marching through the city centre as well as up and down Park Street before finally gathering at Bridewell Street in front of New Bridewell Police Station. At around 6:30 pm, protesters began to stage a huge sit-in in front of lines of riot police.
“Several officers were seen appearing to use their shields against protesters.”
The number of protesters joining the sit-in continued to rise. Protesters continued to remain in this area for the majority of the night, chanting and playing music.
Though tensions did rise and fall during the impasse between protesters and lines of riot police, it was not until around 10:15 pm that Police started moving forward with force. Several officers were seen appearing to use their shields against protesters.
Journalist Matthew Dresch from the Daily Mirror was assaulted while reporting on events.
Police assaulted me at the Bristol protest even though I told them I was from the press. I was respectfully observing what was happening and posed no threat to any of the officers. I have muted the latter part of the video to spare you all the pain of hearing my shrill voice. pic.twitter.com/a7a0Nnw0bG
— Matthew Dresch (@MatthewDresch) March 27, 2021
Riot police continued to move forward and disperse crowds with many officers charging on foot or with horses.
There were also reports of violence against protesters, including a video of a woman being punched by an officer.
In the midst of the charges that were dispersing crowds, a firework was thrown at a police horse. Protesters who were moved away from Bridewell were split, with some heading up Union Street and through Broadmead while others went along Haymarket and then eventually ended up along Bond Street towards St Pauls. The operation concluded around 1 am.
In a statement by Avon and Somerset Police, they said that: “Mutual aid from neighbouring forces was brought in to ensure crowds were dispersed as safely as possible.”
“Specialist resources including dogs, horses, and the police helicopter were used in the policing operation.”
The statement also reported that a total of 10 people were arrested last night. One person has been issued a fixed penalty notice with the other nine remain in police custody.
Sanjana Idnani
Feature image courtesy of Sanjana Idnani.
Sanjana Idnani
Sanjana is an English literature student at the University of Bristol and an aspiring journalist. She is particularly interested in writing about the arts, climate change, and inclusivity!