Manchester’s Kill The Bill protest descends into violence - 18 arrested
KILL THE Bill protests turned violent again this weekend - as police officers clashed with demonstrators in Manchester.
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Greater Manchester Police arrested 18 people during yesterday’s action against the Government’s proposed Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill. It would give police in England and Wales more power to impose conditions on non-violent protests, including those deemed too noisy or a nuisance - sparking claims it could curb civil liberties.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said the event was “largely peaceful and contained” before demonstrators began to cause “significant disruption” by sitting on tram lines in the city centre.
The force said repeated prior warnings were given before officers moved in and arrested the protestors blocking the tram lines.
Police chiefs said the blocking of tram tracks was “clearly unacceptable” and “could not be tolerated any longer”.
However an observer accused police of being 'heavy-handed' as officers moved in.
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Chief Superintendent Andy Sidebotham said: "We have been working closely with partners and engaging with those present at the protest all afternoon to avoid any risk or disruption to the wider public in the city centre and today’s event was largely peaceful and without issue.
"However, as the day went on the remaining group caused significant disruption to the public of Greater Manchester.
“I understand the desire to peacefully protest but by blocking trams this smaller group prevented passengers from travelling to work for essential journeys, including health and care workers.
"This was clearly unacceptable and, in our duty to serve the public, we could not allow it to be tolerated any longer.
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“I would like to pay tribute to the patience of the public today whilst we brought this to a conclusion.
"This importantly comes down to the people of Greater Manchester and a small minority today ultimately caused them a great deal of disruption which required us to step in and bring it to a fair and swift conclusion."
The day of action was one of several largely peaceful protests against the bill held across the country this weekend.
Other sites included Bath, Nottingham, London and Falmouth.
They follow on from a Kill The Bill march in Bristol which descended into “thuggery” violence last week.
Anarchists hijacked the event to target police - leaving 21 officers injured and causing more than £1million of damage.
Several police vehicles were torched and the city centre’s Bridewell Police station had several of its windows smashed.
It quickly drew widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum.
Writing on Twitter, Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “Thuggery and disorder by a minority will never be tolerated.
“Our police officers put themselves in harm's way to protect us all.”
She said her thoughts were with the officers who had been injured.”