Independent report on Bristol violence says police may have acted illegally

A parliamentary inquiry has found that some police officers’ behaviour during disorder following ‘kill the bill’ protests in Bristol in March “may amount to criminal offences”.

The report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Democracy and the Constitution says there were “significant failings” by the police.

But Avon & Somerset Constabulary “strongly refute” some of the report’s findings, in particular saying that officers’ use of the base of their shields to strike protesters is a College of Policing approved tactic for public order policing.

The significant failings identified were:

• Avon & Somerset applied a “presumption of illegality”, creating “an atmosphere of antagonism” which prevented police from liaising with organisers in accordance with best practice.
• Police failed to distinguish between violent and peaceful protestors, “leading to the use of force in unjustified situations”.
• Officers “appear to have used excessive force against peaceful protestors”, including the use of dogs, beating with batons, and ‘blading’ with riot shields protesters who were on the ground.

The report by a cross-bench group of MPs and lords also criticises officers from Avon & Somerset who a few days after the protest forced entry into a teenager’s home after posing as a postal worker, then handcuffed her before she was dressed, ridiculed her and then admitted that she was not the person they were looking for.

The report says that this “raises serious questions about police behaviour, sensitivity, and accountability”.

The issue of so-called “revenge policing” is said by the authors of the report to be “particularly troubling”.

“It was suggested that A&SC took a more aggressive approach to gatherings on 23 and 26 March in retaliation for the damage inflicted on Bridewell Police Station and the injuries to officers on 21 March. This would, if true, be an unlawful abuse of power.

“The impression of ‘revenge policing’ is compounded by the excessive measures used by A&SC in their investigations of offences allegedly committed during the events of 19-26 March.

“In particular, we are concerned that police tactics in relation to the wrongful detention of Katie McGoran and Grace Hart. The actions of officers in those situations appear calculated to coerce and intimidate.”

Here is Avon & Somerset Police’s full response to the APGG report:

In Avon and Somerset, we have a proud history of facilitating protests and recognise it’s a democratic right enshrined in law.

We always welcome transparency and accountability but we strongly refute some of the findings of this report relating to the policing of protests in Bristol.

During the period the report covers, the law was not sufficiently clear as to whether peaceful protest was lawful under COVID-19 regulations and all forces were interpreting them as best as they were able to.

We reject any suggestion we did not facilitate peaceful demonstrations on the day of the riot and for subsequent protests. We made repeated attempts to engage with organisers before each event and in the majority of cases, no-one identified themselves as being in that role. When the events took place, on each occasion protestors were provided with ample opportunity to make their voices heard before officers gave clear directions for them to disperse. We absolutely recognised their right to peaceful protest but we had to balance the significant risk to public health, taking into consideration the regulations in place at the time, and the rights of the wider public to go about their daily lives without disruption.

The report recognises officers faced real violence and hostility and put themselves on the line to keep people safe. It also recognises that throughout March 2021 officers were justified in using proportionate force to protect themselves and the public and restore order. It can never be acceptable for officers and staff to be assaulted during the course of their duties when their over-riding intention is to protect public safety.

Concerns around disproportionate or excessive force relating to the use of shield strikes have been fully investigated by our Professional Standards Department (PSD) and we’re confident officers acted appropriately and utterly reject the report’s suggestion that this use of force “may amount to criminal offences”. Material, including footage, relating to these complaints was sent to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and they were informed of the outcome of our PSD assessment. The use of shield strikes is a College of Policing approved tactic for public order policing – including in situations where officers’ shields are being grabbed or pulled.

Specifically in relation to Sunday 21 March, we remain in the middle of one of the largest investigations ever carried out by Avon and Somerset Police, after police vehicles were damaged and set alight, officers were assaulted and our neighbourhood police station was vandalised during a riot. So far we’ve made 69 arrests with 21 people charged, of which 18 have been charged with riot. Three people have already admitted a charge of riot and await sentencing.

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Read more:

• Bristol burns after peaceful protest turns into violent riot
• Riot police break up peaceful protest at College Green
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