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Bristol Kill the Bill protest: Riot police disperse protesters

Reuters Police officer with batonReuters
Police started pushing back the protesters late on Friday

Police have cleared protesters out of Bristol city centre after a third mass gathering in a week.

Hundreds of people had marched in opposition to the government's Police and Crime Bill before stopping close to Bridewell Police Station, the scene of disorder on Sunday.

After a stand-off, police in riot gear began dispersing the protesters just after 22:10 GMT.

Mounted officers and dog units were used as the crowds were driven back.

PA Media Police officers hits protester with riot shieldPA Media
Police pushed protesters out of the city centre
Reuters Man detained by policeReuters
Some protesters were detained by police after officers attempted to clear the centre

Several warnings were given over a loudhailer before riot police moved forward.

Protesters were driven down side streets away from Bridewell Police Station, with dog units part of the operation.

There were 10 arrests, three of them also detained in connection with last Sunday's first march.

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Earlier, the city's main bus company halted services through the city centre to avoid the protest.

PA Media Protester against police riot shieldsPA Media
Protesters held flags and carried home-made signs
Kill the Bill march in Bristol
As darkness fell a large crowd blocked streets in the city centre
EPA Police lineEPA
Police officers in riot gear blocked access to Bridewell police station
EPA Protesters sat in BristolEPA
Hundreds sat during the demonstration - the third in Bristol in a week

Sunday's demonstration started off peacefully with about 3,000 attending but descended into disorder when around 500 people marched on Bridewell Street.

Avon and Somerset Police is investigating assaults on 40 officers and one member of the media.

Nine people have been arrested in connection with the disorder, which saw officers attacked, police vehicles set on fire and the windows of a police station smashed.

A second protest took place on College Green on Tuesday night and resulted in 15 arrests.

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