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Police change account and confirm no officers suffered broken bones during riot
Police bosses have confirmed injuries sustained by officers during clashes on Sunday night were not as serious as initially stated.
In the midst of the disorder outside Bridewell Police Station, Avon & Somerset Police said in a news release published at 8.57pm on Sunday that two officers were taken to hospital with broken bones.
“One suffered a broken arm and another suffered broken ribs” said the police statement, which was then widely reported as fact. The force has since said a full medical reassessment revealed this to not be the case.
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Police have now confirmed they are investigating 40 assaults against officers and one journalist following the clashes that made headlines around the world.
They say that they have already received 210 submissions and a further 68 calls following appeals for evidence.
Chief constable Andy Marsh says officers did not suffer broken bones or punctured lung – photo by Ellie Pipe
Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, chief constable Andy Marsh said: “Very thankfully, following medical reassessment, I’m pleased to say that there are no broken bones.
“The officer who we thought had broken an arm has been reassessed. He’s not broken his bone and the officer with chest injuries, his lung was not punctured and he is recovering at home – but they were both serious.”
Marsh said it “was a very close quarter, difficult situation” and spoke of the shock officers were in following the disorder on Sunday.
A damaged police car on All Saints Street on Sunday evening – photo: Martin Booth
The demonstrations on Sunday and Tuesday were in opposition to the government’s proposed Police, Crime, Sentencing & Courts Bill, which – among other things – would give police greater powers to restrict protests, impose tougher penalties and curtail the right to roam that is vital to the way of life for Roma, Gypsy and Traveller communities.
Another protest is planned for Friday but police have urged people not to attend, as demonstrations are currently banned under coronavirus rules.
“Once again, we remind everyone that we’re still in a pandemic which has cost many lives and remains a significant challenge for our colleagues in the NHS,” said chief superintendent Claire Armes.
“We have all sacrificed so much to stop the spread of this terrible disease and we’re so close to a relaxation of the restrictions, when peaceful protest will again be possible.
“In Avon and Somerset, we remain committed to facilitating peaceful protest when it’s safe and lawful to do so, however gatherings remain a breach of Covid restrictions and risk increasing the spread of coronavirus. We urge you not to come.
“We do understand the strength of opposition to the new legislation being debated in Parliament. Protest is a right which we’re asking people to be responsible about exercising right now. This is about public health and public safety at a time of pandemic.
“Please consider making your voice heard in different ways – such as contacting your MP or signing one of the petitions available online.
“Thirteen people were arrested after we asked people to disperse from Tuesday’s protest. Ten of them were aged between 19 and 25 – young people who clearly have a social conscience, but who may now face a criminal conviction which could impact on their whole futures and their chances of making a real difference in society.
“I want to make it clear. Peaceful protestors will be given the opportunity to disperse, but Bristol will not tolerate violent behaviour and we’re here to prevent it.”
Main photo by Anya Agulova
Read more: Chief constable defends policing of College Green protest
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