Police clash with Bristol protesters

Police tactics condemned after officers and protesters injured during overnight disturbances in Bristol city centre Police officers and protesters were injured in Bristol after further demonstrations against a Tesco store in the city centre turned violent. Problems began when bottles were thrown at officers in Cheltenham Road in Stokes Croft. The disturbances, which began around 1am on Friday according to eyewitnesses, took place after a peaceful event earlier in the evening. Avon and Somerset police said officers moved in to “contain a group of protesters” who were wearing masks and throwing bottles. A number of officers were injured, the force said. However, police tactics have been condemned by protesters. Richard Ayres, 39, told the BBC: “I received three blows to my legs and a blow to my head for which I have received hospital treatment.” He said he joined the protest to “show solidarity to those who had been treated violently” during previous protests last week. Mr Ayres claimed mounted police “rushed down the middle of the street” after Cheltenham Road was closed at about midnight. “We were knocked to the side by them and were then shoved back by riot police with helmets, shields, truncheons and dogs,” he said. “I remonstrated with them peacefully, flabbergasted at the sudden turn of events.” Police said neighbourhood officers were “actively engaging” with what was a peaceful gathering earlier in the evening outside the squat known as the Telepathic Heights. However, reinforcements were called in after a number of people became violent, put on masks and began throwing bottles at police. Assistant Chief Constable Rod Hansen said: “Unfortunately a number of people attended this event to incite violence and cause criminal damage. “We will not tolerate this behaviour in our communities. Our primary concern is to keep people safe. “Throughout the week our neighbourhood officers have received the message from local residents and businesses that they do not want any further disruption. “There was further evidence of this earlier this evening during the buildup to the trouble. “A minority have clearly been intent on creating a volatile situation and committing criminal acts of disorder. We are taking swift and robust action to arrest those responsible.” Rick Palmer, service director at Bristol City Council, said: “What we have seen tonight is totally unacceptable behaviour which is clearly not supported by local people.” Last night’s skirmishes happened six days after a riot in same area when about 160 officers in riot gear swooped on a house to arrest four people they said were “a real threat to the local community”. The crowd dug up cobbles to throw at the police and a branch of Tesco Metro, which has been subject of a campaign to prevent its recent opening, was petrol-bombed. Protest Tesco guardian.co.uk

Posted by on April 29, 2011. Filed under News, Politics, World News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.