Chaos Outside Bridewell Police Station: 21 Officers Injured in Violent Clashes
Twenty-one police officers were hurt – two seriously – during a brutal confrontation outside Bridewell Police Station on Bridewell Street. The violence erupted after a city centre protest saw around 3,000 people gather.
Police Vehicles Torched and Station Vandalised
Angry crowds attacked officers and threatened them. Several police vehicles, including a community police station van, were set ablaze. The exterior of Bridewell Police Station suffered significant criminal damage in the chaos.
Massive Investigation Launches Into Disorder
Detective Chief Superintendent Carolyn Belafonte vowed a thorough probe into the mayhem. She said, “This will be one of the largest investigations in Avon and Somerset Police’s history.”
More than 100 officers are working on the case, reviewing over two terabytes of CCTV footage, nearly 100 bodycam videos, and hundreds of clips submitted by the public. The force has already published images of 10 suspects they want to question, with more expected soon.
“If you recognise anyone in these images or see yourself, please call 101 or visit your nearest police station,” Belafonte urged.
Eight Arrested But More Expected as Hunt Continues
So far, eight men aged 20 to 44 have been arrested for violent disorder and released under investigation. One, a 28-year-old from Bedminster Down, bristol/" title="Bristol" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Bristol, faces an additional charge of possessing an offensive weapon. He appeared in Bristol Magistrates’ Court today and is due back on 10 June.
Belafonte praised the public’s overwhelming support and appealed for more help, encouraging anyone with footage or information to submit it via a dedicated online form.
“We’re fully committed to catching everyone involved. Expect more arrests soon,” she warned.
